Family & household

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    If you are a primary carer

    If you are the primary carer for a child or family member, we advise that you seek alternative measures to help care for your loved one during this time where you will be required to self-isolate.

    This could include other family members or professional carers. Your employer may also be able to offer some assistance or referrals.

    Household members

    How long will I need to quarantine for?

    You are a close contact if:

    • you live with a person that has COVID-19 or
    • you have been with a person that has COVID-19 for more than four hours in a house or other accommodation.

    You are a close contact from the date the person diagnosed with COVID-19 took the test that returned a positive result.

    As a close contact, you should be aware that you are at increased risk of COVID-19 and need to take steps to protect yourself and people around you.

    If you are a close contact, for at least 5 days from when the diagnosed person received a positive COVID-19 test, Queensland Health strongly recommends you:

    • wear a face mask in an indoor setting and if you are unable to physically distance outside
    • work or study from home, where feasible and with the agreement of your workplace
    • avoid entering hospitals, residential aged care facilities and disability
    •  accommodation services
    • avoid contact with people at risk of severe disease from COVID-19

    You should also monitor yourself for any acute respiratory symptoms for at least a week from the date of the positive COVID-19 test.

    If you develop symptoms, stay at home, and test for COVID-19 as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. If your COVID-19 test is positive, follow the rules for a diagnosed person

    Am I at risk of contracting COVID-19?

    Yes, transmission of COVID-19 among household members is common particularly if other members are not vaccinated. Most people become positive within the first week of exposure, however a longer incubation time is possible.

    What testing will I need to undergo during my quarantine?

    Most people who have tested positive for COVID-19 will not require further testing.

    There are some other circumstances where repeat testing may be requested, however should these apply to you a staff member will be in contact to discuss these further.

    Close contacts will require testing if they develop symptoms.