If you live with someone who has COVID-19 you have a higher risk of getting the virus too. It’s normal to feel worried about this, but help and support is available if you need it.
Use the information below to make sure you and those you live with know how to stay safe, what to do now, and when to get medical help.
If you have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 but you do not live with them then you do not need to isolate.
Stay home and self-isolate for 7 days. The 7 days starts from when the person with COVID-19 tested positive or from when they first had symptoms (whichever came first).
You will need to take a Rapid Antigen Test on Day 3 and Day 7.
If your tests are negative and you do not have any symptoms you can finish isolating on Day 8. This will be the same day as the first person who got COVID-19 in your home finishes isolating.
If you test positive it means you have COVID-19. You will need to isolate for 7 days from you when received your positive result or first noticed symptoms. If the other people you live with get a negative test at the same time, they won’t need to restart their isolation period. Learn more about testing positive for COVID-19.
While you are self-isolating:
You can finish self-isolating on Day 8 if all your tests have been negative and you do not have symptoms.
If you have symptoms but test negative, you will need to stay home for another 2 days and then take another Rapid Antigen Test
If you test negative but your symptoms do not go away, it’s time to get help. Call Healthline for free anytime on 0800 358 5453, or contact your GP or health provider.
After you finish isolating, be careful for a few more days. Keep a close eye on symptoms, and avoid people who are more vulnerable, such as elderly people, babies, pregnant people, or anyone with underlying health conditions.
If you have been identified as a close contact you may choose to change your behaviour based on personal circumstances. This could include:
Some people who are household close contacts can receive an exemption from their employer to return to work early.
You will need to work in a critical service, undertake daily testing, and not have any symptoms. When you are not at work, you will need to continue self-isolating.
Your employer will let you know if you are eligible to return to work early, and provide instructions on how to do this safely.
Support is available at every stage of your home isolation journey.
Call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 (free to call, 24 hours a day).
Call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 (free to call, 24 hours a day).
If you feel you are not coping, it is important to talk with a health professional. There are helplines available that offer support, information and help. All services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you need a Whānau Ora Family Support Package contact one of our partners.
The Fono: Feleoko Food Hub
The Village Community Services Trust
Mount Wellington Integrated Health Centre
If you or a family member becomes very unwell or has difficulty breathing, immediately call an ambulance on 111.