Tips for preparing to isolate at home – COVID-19

14 January 2022

A simple plan can help you if someone in your household gets COVID-19 and you need to isolate.

If someone in your household tests positive for COVID-19, as a close contact you and your family may need to isolate for a short period. I’ve shared a few tips below to help you prepare and give you peace of mind if you need to suddenly go into isolation.

The National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters’ Council also made a podcast in 22 different languages to help you prepare for isolating at home comfortable and safely.

Amharic – Arabic – Assyrian – Cantonese – Dinka – Hindi – Italian – Macedonian – Maltese – Mandarin – Oromo – Pacific Islander English – Punjabi – Russian – Sinhala – Somali – Spanish – Tagalog – Tamil – Turkish – Urdu – Vietnamese

We look forward to seeing you at one of these thoughtful events and celebrating the incredible work you do! We also thank our partners Span House and DCC for their contribution and support in running these events.

For more information or to sign up call Donna on (03) 8458 6774. Let’s make this a special time for all our wonderful carers.

Here are a few tips for preparing to isolate:

Start talk to family, friends and neighbours now about how you can support each other if one household has to isolate.
Make sure you have enough essential food, medication and household items to last a few days at home. This includes items like painkillers, prescription medicines or nappies.
Always have basic medical supplies like a thermometer, pain relief and your regular medications available. Make sure you have enough N95 or P2 face masks, hand sanitiser and gloves. Consider keeping rapid antigen tests in your house.
Plan how to get supplies once you are in isolation. Find out how to do online supermarket shopping or find someone who can shop for you.
Have a plan or alternative arrangements for people or pets who rely on you for care.
Plan ahead for home activities to keep you entertained if you have to isolate.
If someone in your household has COVID-19, wear a mask indoors and try to remain 1.5 metres away from the. If possible keep the COVID-19 positive person in a separate room. If you must share a bathroom, ensure it is cleaned and sanitised after each use. Keep the house well ventilated, with good airflow through windows.