Advice for people exposed to COVID-19

People who live with or spend a lot of time indoors with someone are at greatest risk of catching COVID-19. Simple steps to follow if you have been exposed to COVID-19. 

• Monitor for symptoms. 
• If you do develop cold or flu symptoms stay at home until your symptoms have gone.
• Do not visit people at risk of severe illness, anyone in hospital or an aged or disability care facility. Consider doing a RAT before visiting if you must see the person.
• If you are at risk of severe disease speak review your plan for testing and access to antiviral treatment or talk to your doctor if you do not have a plan in place. If you don’t have a GP, call the Care@home team on 1800 973 363. 
• Keep following all simple behaviours.

How long am I at risk of getting COVID-19?

Someone with COVID-19 is infectious from two days prior to developing symptoms and up to 10 days after their symptoms began.

A positive case is most infectious for the two days before symptoms develop and during the time they have acute respiratory symptoms (cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever).

Most people who develop COVID-19 will get symptoms in the first seven days after being exposed to the virus however some people may still get symptoms up to 14 days after being exposed.

Living with someone who has COVID-19

If someone in your household tests positive to COVID-19 Public Health recommends following these measures:

• Avoid physical contact with the case, they should have their own room or area away from others. Make sure the home has good air flow (open the windows to increase air circulation). Wear a face mask if you need to be near the case.
• Do not share household items such as cutlery, plates, towels or bedding. The items used by the case must be washed thoroughly.
• Do not share food and drinks.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces like door handles, sink taps and benches in shared areas at least daily, using normal household detergent or disinfectant.
• Have own bathroom if possible. If there is only one bathroom, any windows in the bathroom should remain open, fans on and ensure the toilet is flushed with the lid closed.