If you test positive for COVID-19

Follow these steps if you test positive for COVID-19 to protect yourself and others.

Step 1. Stay home whilst you have symptoms

It is no longer a requirement to self-isolate following a positive COVID-19 test. It is your responsibility to stay at home whilst you feel unwell and show symptoms to limit the spread and protect our community.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may be infectious for up to 10 days. To reduce the risk to others, it is recommended you:

• stay home if unwell, even if your symptoms are mild
• practise personal hygiene including hand washing or using hand sanitiser
• maintain a distance of 1.5 metres away from others where possible
• wear a mask indoors and outdoors when social distancing is not possible
• avoid visiting people at high risk of severe illness, people in hospital, aged care or disability facility for at least 7 days.

Talk to your employer about when you should return to the workplace. If you work in a high-risk setting such as health, disability and aged care, you may be required to stay away from your workplace for longer to protect staff, patients, residents, and clients.

Step 2. Manage your symptoms and health

Most people who are vaccinated and get COVID-19 can care for themselves at home. Others may need to contact their GP or get a referral to a hospital specialist.

Learn how to manage your COVID-19 illness.