If you have been told you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19:
If you have previously recovered from COVID-19, you will still be considered a close contact and will need to self-isolate, test and follow the advice below.
If you are planning to travel, please check the entry requirements for your destination as they vary between states and countries.
There are different ways you may be told that you are a close contact including being told by your work, school, the COVID-19 positive person or directly by NSW Health.
If you have previously recovered from COVID-19 you will still be considered a close contact and you will need to self-isolate and test.
However, if you have been medically cleared before other positive cases in your household, you will not be considered their close contact and will not need to self-isolate or test unless you develop new COVID-19 symptoms.
If you get any COVID-19 symptoms during self-isolation, get tested at a testing clinic as soon as possible.
You can end your self-isolation when you’ve completed the steps required as outlined in the What do I need to do section.
You do not need confirmation from NSW Health to end your self-isolation, however you need to be able to show evidence of your negative COVID-19 test results if asked by NSW Health or by Police.
Self-isolation means you must stay at your home or accommodation and remain separated from others, even if you are fully vaccinated or feel well. People with COVID-19 or who are close contacts must self-isolate to help stop the spread of COVID-19 to other people.
Self-isolation means you cannot:
You are only allowed to leave your home or accommodation to get a COVID-19 test, for urgent medical care or in an emergency (including to avoid injury or escape the risk of harm from domestic violence).
If you need to leave for any of these reasons, you should travel by private vehicle, ride or walk. You must wear a face mask, stay 1.5m away from anyone else, travel directly to and from where you need to go and self-isolate in suitable accommodation as soon as possible.
You should spend your self-isolation period at the place you are staying. This may be your home, a hotel, motel or other form of accommodation, and you must be able to safely stay there and separate from all other people.
If you are not already at home when you find out that you need to self-isolate, you must immediately get tested and travel by private car directly (without stopping) to your accommodation.
If you can’t access a private car, or you are staying in temporary accommodation that ends before you will complete your self-isolation period, please call the NSW Health Isolation Support Line on 1800 943 553 for advice and assistance.
Further information for accessing testing and self-isolation is available Travelling for testing and self-isolation and the Self-Isolation Guideline.
You may be told to self-isolate in a different accommodation such as a quarantine facility, hospital or other medical facility by a designated health practitioner or an authorised contact tracer (including an officer in the NSW Department of Education) at any time if they determine you cannot safely self-isolate at your home.
If you live with other people, you must keep completely separated from them during your self-isolation period.
This means:
If you live with a person who you cannot keep separated from (e.g. a child or carer where alternative arrangements cannot be made), they do not need to self-isolate with you, but they should not attend high-risk settings (health care, aged care, disability care, early childhood centres, primary school and correctional facilities) during your 7 day self-isolation period. If they work in one of these settings, their employer may do a risk assessment to allow them to return to work.
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.
If you have to self-isolate and live in an apartment building, you will need to follow some extra steps to protect other building residents from COVID-19.
Self-isolating can be difficult for you, your family and everyone living with you. Strategies to help you cope include:
If you need other practical support or have non-urgent health related questions during isolation call 1800 943 553.
If you start to feel unwell and your symptoms get worse contact your Local Health District clinical team, your doctor, or call Healthdirect (1800 022 222) if you need health advice. Let them know you are currently self-isolating due to COVID-19.
In an emergency call Triple Zero (000) for example if you are having trouble breathing or have pain in your chest. Ambulance services are for emergencies and are provided free of charge to people who are confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19. Hospital care for COVID-19 is free.
Ask your family or friends who do not live with you to help by picking up groceries and medicines as needed, or you can order food online or by telephone. Ask them to leave the food on your doorstep and wait until they have left before opening the door with a mask on.
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.
