COVID Isolation

If you are isolating at home with Covid

Everyone who tests positive for COVID-19 and everyone who lives with them and their close contacts will need to isolate from the community to help stop the spread of the virus.

There are two ways to isolate: either at home (or in suitable alternative accommodation), or in a managed isolation facility. If you are very unwell, you will receive hospital care.

How long you need to isolate
Positive cases

• The isolation period for fully vaccinated COVID-19 cases in the community is at least 10 days, including 72 hours symptom-free.

• The isolation period for partially vaccinated or unvaccinated COVID-19 cases is at least 14 days, including 72 hours symptom-free.

• Others in the household will need to remain at home while you and anyone else in your household who tests positive are isolating. Once the last case has been released from isolation, the remaining members of the household will have to isolate for a further 10 days. This means they will need to isolate for longer than you.

Close contacts.

• The isolation period for close contacts who are fully vaccinated is 7 days. They will need to be tested immediately and on day 5. 

• The isolation period for close contacts who are partially vaccinated or not vaccinated is 10 days. They will need to be tested immediately, on day 5 and on day 8.

What to do when isolating 

• Stay at home or in your accommodation. 

• Only exercise at home or in your garden

• Get supplies of food/kai and medicine by asking your whanau and friends to shop for you, or by ordering supplies online if possible. Identify a safe drop-off point outside the house for them to leave supplies.

• If you need assistance, the Ministry of Social Development has information about where you can go for services and support, what you can get help with, and contact information. Visit the Ministry of Social Development website.

• Follow the advice of your health care provider. 

What not to do when isolating

• Don’t have visitors, except people providing essential care to you or someone in the household

• Don’t leave your home (except if seeking urgent medical care). So, don’t go out to get food/kai or medicine, don’t go to work, school or public places and don’t go on public transport or using taxis

• Don’t get vaccinated until you have recovered. If you have a vaccination appointment scheduled either ring the booking line or go online to change your appointment.

Tips for keeping your whanau safe

To help reduce the spread of germs, if possible, you should:  

• Stay away from others in your home – stay out of rooms where others are and do not share a bed if possible. Do not prepare food for others.

• Wear a face mask or face covering. It is recommended each household member has a minimum of two face coverings, and that each is washed at the end of the day.

• As much as possible, open windows and doors to allow air to flow through your house.

• Wipe down surfaces used by others like bathroom taps and kitchen benches with soap, water and a cloth. Do not share dishes and cutlery, towels and pillows. Please do your own laundry.

• Wash your hands often and cough or sneeze into an elbow or a tissue.

Care in the Community