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
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.
Support during isolation is available through the Victorian Government, Your Community Health and other organisations like us.
You can get emergency relief packages with basic food and personal care items by calling the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398. Press 0 for an interpreter and ask for food relief support. Nappies, baby formula, sanitary items and pet food can be provided if requested and food relief is available for your cultural or dietary needs.
Local charities in your area often have support available. Search your postcode or suburb via Ask Izzy to find supports available in your area.
You may be eligible for financial assistance through Services Australia. To find out what support you can get go to www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/support or call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.
It is important to tell familiy and friends you are isolating so they can offer support. Talk to them by phone or video call, but not in person. Get more practical tips here.
If you test positive for COVID-19 or know someone who tests positive, our COVID Positive Pathways Program can help. We support people in Darebin who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 to isolate safely at home. For more information click here.