This table shows the most common situations when people should self-isolate or restrict their movements. It also shows some of the main things they need to do.
Self-isolation (stay in your room) | Restrict your movements (stay at home) | |
Do this when you |
|
|
Where | In a room, on your own if possible, with a window you can open, at home or indoors. | At home/indoors. |
Work or school | Do not go to work or school. If you feel well enough to work remotely or home school, do that from your own room. | Do not go to work or school, unless you work on your own and can completely avoid other people. If you do not have symptoms and you are an essential worker, speak to your employer. |
Outdoor exercise | Do not go outside unless you have your own outdoor space where you can get some fresh air away from other people. | You can go outside to exercise by yourself as long as you keep 2 metres from other people. |
Going out, other than exercise and work | Stay in your room as much as possible and do not go outside for anything. | Stay at home and do not go to the shops or pharmacy - order groceries online or have some family or friends drop them off. |
Visits | Do not have visitors at your home and do not visit others. | Do not have visitors at your home and do not visit others. |
Other members of your household | Need to restrict their movements and get a test for COVID-19. | Do not need to do anything, unless you develop symptoms of COVID-19. Then you will need to self-isolate and they will need to restrict their movements. If your household members develop symptoms, they will have to self-isolate. |
When to stop | If you had a positive test result If you had a negative test result and were tested because you had symptoms of COVID-19 There is different advice for people in long-term residential care or treated in hospital. | If you were tested because you were a close contact of someone with COVID-19
If you are caring for someone who cannot self-isolate |
Last updated: 23 February 2021 at 11.05am