Print

First steps as a close contact - coronavirus (COVID-19)

Changes to quarantine requirement for close contacts

From 6pm AEST Thursday 28 April 2022, there are no quarantine requirements for close contacts as long as they:


You are a close contact if you have been with a person that has COVID-19or you've spent more than 4 hours with a person who has COVID-19 in a house or other accommodation (such as an apartment, shared accommodation, residential aged care facility or hospital).

You are not a close contact if you have been in a separate part of the house or accommodation with your own entry, and you have not had contact with the diagnosed person or used any shared or common areas they've been in for more than four hours.

If you are a close contact, you must for the next 7 days:

  • wear a face mask outside of home, including outdoors if you can't socially distance from people other than members of your household
  • don't visit these vulnerable and high-risk settings except for exceptional or compassionate circumstances such as end of life visits (but you can go to these places if you are getting care or if you work there and meet requirements):
    • an aged care facility
    • a disability care setting
    • a healthcare facility like a GP or a hospital (unless you are getting urgent medical care for yourself)
    • a correctional facility (e.g. prison) or detention centre.
  • follow the Guidelines for Close Contacts.

A person who has had COVID-19 in the past 12 weeks but is a cleared case is exempt from the requirements of a close contact but should follow the guidelines.

Children under 12 do not have to but are encouraged to wear a face mask where safe. Face masks, including surgical masks, are not considered safe for children under 2.

You don't have to wear a face mask if you are a person who has a physical or mental health condition which makes wearing one unsuitable.

If you test positive

If you test positive, follow the first steps if you have COVID-19.

Close contact working at a vulnerable facility

If you are a close contact and you work at a hospital, aged care facility or disability accommodation facility, you can return to work if you test negative for COVID-19 and do not have any symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

You must let your employer know as soon as possible after you become a close contact so that they can take additional protective measures as needed before you return to work.

You must return a negative COVID-19 test result before your first shift and every second day during the 7 day period after becoming a close contact.

You must also wear a mask and additional personal protective equipment as another layer of protection.

You will also need to meet any additional requirements requested by the facility where you work.

A worker who becomes symptomatic must stay at home and follow the requirements for a symptomatic close contact.

Get the things you need

If you are a close contact with symptoms, you need to stay home until you’re well.

It’s important you have everything you need for staying home:

  • Any deliveries must be no contact.
  • Ask friends or family members to get food and medication for you .
  • Arrange a food delivery service. Have all food left outside your house. Do not let any delivery person into your home or accommodation.

If you need a prescription filled, arrange this with your usual pharmacist or GP. They can deliver it to your home or accommodation, or you can let your friend or family member know where to collect the medication.

Home care workers and other providers of essential services like nurses are exempt from restrictions to enter your home. However, if you receive these services it is important that you let the service providers know that you are a close contact and are in quarantine.

If you can’t get family or friends to help you, contact the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.

Look after yourself

While you are staying home, use our tips on looking after your mental wellbeing and keeping healthy and active at home.

If you are worried about your mental health, read about when to seek help and the mental health services available to support you.

If you need any other support while you’re in isolation, read our guide on where to get help.

Last updated:
16 May 2022
Share this page: