Use this page to find out:
- when to keep your child at home from school or childcare
- when it's OK to send your child to school or childcare
- when your child can return to school after being tested for COVID-19
If your child has symptoms
If your child has symptoms of COVID-19 they need to:
- isolate from other people until they have not had symptoms for 48 hours
- wear a medical, respirator or well-fitted face mask, depending on their age
They do not to get tested unless they:
- have a condition that puts them at higher risk
- live with someone who has a weak immune system
Find out when your child may need a test for COVID-19
If your child is aged 3 months or less, phone your GP for advice
When to keep your child at home from school or childcare
Keep your child at home if they:
- have symptoms of COVID-19
- have got a positive COVID-19 test result
- have diarrhoea and are aged 12 or younger
When it's OK to send your child to school or childcare
It is usually OK to send your child to school or childcare if they:
- only have nasal symptoms, such as a runny nose or a sneeze, but otherwise feel well
- have tested negative and have not had any new symptoms for 48 hours
- have not had diarrhoea for 48 hours
Children in special education or respite care
If your child is in a special needs school or respite care, a public health doctor will phone you if there is COVID-19 case or outbreak. They will tell you what you and your child need to do.