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A pandemic plan for you and those you love

Making a plan will help if you need to isolate at home after a COVID-19 test.

23 July 2020

The message is simple. If you show symptoms of COVID-19, you need to get tested. And then you need to isolate at home until you get your test result.

The reality can be trickier. Who gets your groceries? Who picks up the kids? How do you stay calm and do what needs to be done?

All emergencies are easier to cope with if you have a plan. We know this from 106 years of helping Australians to get through them.

So here’s our simple guide to creating your COVID-19 isolation plan. 

1. Get in the know

If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, however mild, get tested straight away. Stay at home until you receive your test result.

  • Know the symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Find your nearest test site. Here are the locations in Victoria and New South Wales.
  • Read the latest advice on quarantine and isolation.
  • The reality of staying at home is especially difficult for casual workers and those without sick leave. There are a range of financial supports available to help you stay at home. 

2. Get connected

We’ll get through this pandemic together. By supporting each other in small, kind, practical ways. Think about your key support people.

  • Identify who you need to notify if you are isolating or test positive for COVID-19
  • Identify who might be able to help with practical things like shopping or picking up the kids
  • Identify who might help you in other ways. Who can you talk to or video chat with?
  • Look through your phone contacts to jog your memory

Need to chat? Call our COVID Connect service.

3. Get organised

Make a list of what needs to happen if you have to isolate at home.

  • Everyday essentials – how you get groceries delivered, prescriptions filled, etc.
  • Family – picking up children, looking after pets, supporting relatives
  • Living space – how to isolate from others in your house if needed
  • Mental wellbeing – how you will stay entertained, stay calm and manage stress
  • Personal safety – find a support service if you don’t feel safe in your home
  • Keep a record of any close contacts or places you have been (e.g. in your phone calendar). If you test positive for COVID-19 you will be well prepared to share the information with contact tracers when they call. It is also a good idea to call your contacts if you do test positive- and suggest they stay home until called by contact tracers, and get tested if they develop any symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19).

An app to help you

The Get Prepared app will help you create a plan for any emergency.

Need extra support?

Vic: Call the COVID hotline on 1800 675 398 or read about financial and other support.
NSW: Call the National Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 020 080 or search for support.