It’s likely that most Queenslanders will either get COVID-19, or be directly exposed to someone who has COVID-19.
Now is the time to Get COVID-Ready.
Even fully vaccinated (two doses) people might still get COVID-19. Most people will only get mild symptoms, like a sore throat and runny nose, but others might be worse. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are at greater risk of getting sick from COVID-19.
Wherever you live, whatever your health conditions and whatever your vaccination status, you’ll be cared for.
Here are a few simple steps you can take to keep yourself, your friends, and your family safe:
get vaccinated. You can still Make the choice to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Make a plan (PDF, 4 9MB) for you, your children and anyone else in your home. Make a copy of the plan (you can take a photo on your phone) and give it to your health worker or doctor.
Choose to mask up
Masks may be mandatory for some parts of Queensland, at some times. Keep up to date with current public health directions for your area.
Even if it’s not mandatory, keep wearing a mask if you want to. Wear a mask when you are not able to maintain a 1.5 metre distance between yourself and others.
Get your health in check
You should keep attending any health appointments, and book future ones now if you are able to.
Everyone will still be able to access retail services, public transport, and places of worship.
If you have the latest version of the Check In Qld app, you can add your COVID-19 digital certificate so it’s ready to display when you check in at a venue. You’ll need your MyGov log in to do this.
Alternatively, you can print out a copy and carry it with you.
Check with your health worker or doctor when you can get your booster shot. It might be from 2 months depending on other health conditions you have. If you're eligible, book now.
Get tested
If you have any of these symptoms, get tested, even if you think they're not bad.
This will help work out the best care for you. You will receive COVID Care at Home or COVID Care in Hospital depending on your health conditions and symptoms.
You will most likely be able to stay home and be cared for by a health worker or doctor. They will phone you or video call every day or two until you get better.
You may have to go to hospital if you are very sick, have other health issues, can’t stay home, aren’t near a hospital or if you get worse.
If you test positive you will need to stay in your home until you are told you can leave. This will stop the spread to other people.
If you can’t stay at home, you will most likely be sent to a hospital for care.
Getting support
If you need to get food or medicines while isolating, get a friend or family member to help, or order food online if possible. Don’t leave your home to go shopping.
If this is hard for you, call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349, who can help with a no-contact delivery of food and supplies to your home.
If you are not able to do your job from home, you may be able to get financial help from the government. Contact Services Australia on 180 22 66 to find out more. If you speak a language other than English, call 131 202.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support services
National Coronavirus Helpline – call 1800 020 080 and press 5
Make the Choice - visit the website to access COVID-19 information, support and services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) - visit the website to find your local NACCHO member or affiliate near you
COVID-19 vaccination and testing clinics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples - visit the website to:
book your vaccination appointment
find a walk-in vaccination location near you
locate a testing clinic.
Living with or supporting others
You may need to get care COVID Care in Hospital if you live with others. Make sure you complete a COVID Care Plan for adults (PDF,
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and make other arrangements should you need to go to hospital.
The people you live with, and other close contacts, may also need to stay at home if you have COVID-19. The local public health unit will let them know how long they need to remain at home.
Get COVID-Ready kit video
Duration 00:00:59
Get COVID-Ready.
If you get COVID-19, you will need to isolate at home.
Here are some things you can prepare ahead of time.
A thermometer to track your temperature.
Pain medication to help with symptoms such as headaches.
Your regular medications.
A plan for how you’ll get food and essentials for two weeks, such as frozen meals, pet food, and baby formula.
Face masks, hand sanitizer and gloves.
Stay at home activities to keep you entertained.
Phone numbers for people you can call if you need help or support.
A COVID Care Plan you can give to your doctor or other health workers.
Plan for who can look after your children, pets, or people in your care if you need to go to hospital.
And remember to wash your hands, socially distance and stay home if you are sick.
For more information visit the Queensland Health website.
If you get COVID-19 and need to isolate, it may be too late to get the essentials in order. Be prepared and do what you can now.
Your kit should include:
a thermometer
pain relief
your regular medications
a plan for who can look after your children, pets, or people in your care only if you have to go to hospital
face masks, hand sanitiser and gloves
a plan for how you’ll get food and essentials for two weeks such as frozen meals, long life milk, and supplies and food for your pets. If possible, arrange a friend or family member who doesn’t live with you to shop for you and leave it at your door
phone numbers for people you can call if you need help
stay-at-home activities to keep you entertained
a COVID Care Plan in case you get COVID-19. You can give it to your health worker or doctor if you need to go to hospital.
If you or a family member needs to go to hospital, a COVID Care Plan will contain important information about you and the people you care for. It will help your health worker or doctor understand your family’s health needs and decide on the best care.
Talk to your friends and family to see if they can care for your kids, pets, and other people in your care, just in case you need to go to hospital.
