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
• in 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 / accommodation

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?

Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment

• The Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is financial support to assist if you cannot earn an income because you must self-isolate due to COVID-19 or you are caring for someone with COVID-19. 
• To check if you are eligible for the payment, visit Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment.

COVID-19 support

• If symptoms become severe call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
• If you have health questions during self-isolation that are not urgent, call the NSW Health Flu and COVID-19 Care at Home Support Line on 1800 960 933.  The National Coronavirus Helpline is also available 24/7 on 1800 020 080.
• If you need practical assistance during self-isolation, call the NSW Health Isolation Support Line on 1800 943 553.

Mental health support

• NSW Mental Health Line – 1800 011 511
• Beyond Blue helpline – 1800 512 348
• Lifeline – 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
• Service NSW mental wellbeing resources
• NSW Health has partnered with Sonder to provide a free personal wellbeing service, available to help support you. The app provides access to confidential 24/7 multilingual chat and phone access to a range of mental health and wellbeing support services. Download the app at https://be.sonder.io/wellbeing-nsw-health and enter the code HERE2HELP.

Domestic violence support

• National sexual assault and domestic violence helpline on 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).

Help in your language

• If you need an interpreter, please contact the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) National on 131 450, This service is free and confidential.