NSW Health COVID-19 self-isolation guideline

What is self-isolation?

Self-isolation is when you stay in your home or accommodation away from other people. It helps stop the spread of COVID-19 to the people around you.

Self-isolation means:

• not going to work or school
• not going to any public places (e.g. shops, parks, beaches)
• not using public transport
• not having any visitors in your home, unless they are providing healthcare, emergency maintenance or emergency services.

You are only allowed to leave self-isolation to:

• get a COVID-19 test
• seek urgent medical care
• avoid an emergency situation (including to avoid injury or escape the risk of harm from domestic violence).

How do I self-isolate from my household if I have COVID-19?

If you live with other people, you should stay separated from them during your self-isolation period.

Physically distance

This means:

• stay and sleep in a separate room
• use a separate bathroom if available
• do not be in the same room as another person.

Practice good hygiene

• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Wear a mask in shared areas or when caring for other members of your household
• Take extra care to remain separate from any members of your household who are elderly, immunocompromised or have medical conditions such as heart, lung or kidney problems.

What if I need to travel to my place of self-isolation?

If you have tested positive to COVID-19 and you need to travel, for example to your home or accommodation, you must do so in a private vehicle, cycle or walk.  You cannot use taxis or ride share services. Do not use public transport or fly. You should wear a face mask and stay 1.5 metres away from other people.

Take simple steps to reduce the risk to others:

• Map the most direct route and identify safe rest break areas before you leave
• Avoid crowded areas and wear a mask if/when you need to take a break.

When travelling in a vehicle with others, you should:

• Sit in the back seat with the windows open (preferably in the passenger rear left seat) if you are not driving
• All wear a face mask that covers the nose and mouth at all times
• Sanitise your hands before you get into the vehicle.

What if I have shared care arrangements?

Moving between households, even for shared caring arrangements, is not recommended. People should only move to another household after they have completed their self-isolation period.  

What if I am self-isolating in a multi unit dwelling (eg. apartment building or hotel)?

If you are self-isolating in a building with other people in it, you will need to take extra steps to protect other people:

• Remain inside your own unit/room. Avoid shared laundry facilities or any other common areas such as a gym, pool or shared outdoor area
• Do not open your door without wearing a mask if there are shared corridors
• Open windows if possible/safe to maximise fresh air and natural ventilation
• Arrange someone to pick up rubbish from outside your door. The person collecting your rubbish should wear gloves and a surgical mask while doing this and thoroughly wash their hands afterwards
• Wash your clothes inside your own unit; other people should not do your laundry
• Ask for any deliveries, including food, to be left outside your door. Do not open the door until the delivery person has left and the corridor is empty.

Staying in a hotel / accomodation

If you are a guest in a hotel/accommodation, you should take additional precautions to those listed above.

• If you must enter any communal areas for any reason wear a mask and maintain physical distance between yourself and others
• You must remain inside your room or unit for the self-isolation period. You should not let staff enter your room.

What support is available while I am in self-isolation?

• If you have questions about self-isolation contact NSW Health Isolation Support Line on 1800 943 553 or call Service NSW on 13 77 88.

Food and other essential supplies

• If you need food or other essential supplies (e.g. medication) during self-isolation:

• Ask family or friends to pick up supplies as needed and leave them at your door
• Order supplies online.

If you have no other way of obtaining food or other essentials call the NSW Health Isolation Support Line on 1800 943 553 and you will be directed to Service NSW for assistance.

Other supports available

Visit NSW Health website for the latest advice.

NSW Health has partnered with Sonder which provides a personal wellbeing service with 24/7 access to multilingual chat and phone access to a range of mental health, medical and wellbeing support services.

Help in your language

For free help in your language, call the Interpreter Service on 13 14 50.