COVID-19 - English

Protect yourself and others from COVID-19

COVID-19 is still circulating in the community. It can still make some people very sick. Protecting yourself is the best way to protect others. You can’t spread COVID if you don’t get COVID.

Get tested

Stay home and take a rapid antigen test (RAT) if you:

• have symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever, or chills.
• are a contact of someone who has COVID-19.

If your test is negative, you should keep using rapid antigen tests for the next few days and stay at home until your symptoms go away.

Ask a GP for a PCR test if you could become very sick with COVID-19. You do not need to report your result if you tested positive from a PCR test.

Find more information on Get a COVID-19 test.

Look after your health

If you test positive for COVID-19 you should rest and speak to a GP. Most people will have mild symptoms and can get well at home. You should:

• Stay at home for at least 5 days. Do not go to work or school. Stay away from hospitals, aged care facilities, and disability services.
• Wear a mask if you must leave home in an emergency. The best masks are surgical or N95.
• Tell people you have seen or places you have been to recently that you have COVID.

If your symptoms get worse, you should speak to a GP.

Call the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department for urgent care if you can’t speak to a GP.

For emergencies call Triple Zero (000).

You might be infectious for up to 10 days. You should stay home if you have a runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever, chills, sweats, or shortness of breath. Use a rapid antigen test or speak to a GP if you are not sure.

Support

For more information:

• Visit Checklist for COVID-19 for what to do if you test positive for COVID-19
• Visit Managing COVID-19 for symptoms and looking after your health at home.

To speak to someone:

• Call Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.

Ask about COVID medicines

COVID medicines save lives and stop people from getting very sick with COVID-19. They should be taken as early as possible and within 5 days of getting sick to work best.

Answer these questions to find out if you are eligible for COVID medicines. Speak to a GP if you think you are eligible. A GP can help to make sure eligible people get treatment quickly.

For more information see Antivirals and other medicines.

Wear a mask

Masks can stop you from getting and spreading COVID-19. Masks should be good quality and fit the face well. N95 and P2 masks (respirators) give the most protection.

You should wear a mask:

• on public transport, inside a public space, and outside in a crowded place.
• if you have COVID-19 and must leave home
• if you are or with someone at a high risk of falling very sick.

Children aged 2 years or younger should not wear a mask as it is a choking and suffocation risk.

For more information see Face masks.

Get your next vaccine dose

Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and family from getting very sick with COVID-19. You should stay up to date with the vaccinations recommended for you. Speak to a GP to find out how many doses are recommended.

You should still get vaccinated if you have had COVID-19. Use the vaccine clinic finder to book your next dose at the GP or local pharmacy.

For more information see COVID-19 vaccine.

Let fresh air in

COVID-19 spreads in the air. Bringing fresh air into an indoor space can decrease the risk of spreading COVID-19. Open windows or doors when it is possible when gathering with others indoors. If you can’t, you can use a portable air cleaner (HEPA filter) which removes aerosol particles from the air.

For more information see Ventilation.

Recovering from COVID-19

Many people will feel unwell from COVID-19 after they are no longer infectious. Allow your body the care and time to properly recover.

You should wait 6 months after being infected, before getting your next dose of vaccine. This will make sure you get the best protection against the virus.

You can get COVID-19 again as quickly as 4 weeks after you have recovered. If you have symptoms 4 weeks or more after being infected, you should get tested.

Long COVID is when symptoms of COVID-19 last for more than 3 months. You should see your GP who can help you manage your symptoms or refer to you a specialist if this is required.

Find more information on Long COVID.

If you are a contact

You are at risk of developing COVID-19 if you share a house or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive.

You should monitor for symptoms and test regularly for 7 days following your contact with someone who has tested positive. During this time, it is recommended you:

• avoid hospitals, aged care facilities, and disability services
• wear a mask when leaving the house, including on public transport and in indoor spaces like work and school
• let fresh air into indoor spaces by opening windows, when possible.

For more information on Checklist for contacts.