Protecting yourself

If you are in close contact with someone who is infected with COVID-19, you are at risk of catching the virus. When someone with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, breathes or talks, they release droplets into the air. These droplets contain the virus and can be breathed in by others. You can also pick up the virus by touching surfaces that carry the droplets.

Reduce your risk of catching COVID-19‍

• Avoid contact with people who have symptoms of COVID-19.
• Keep up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccinations.
• Wash your hands regularly, especially after touching shared surfaces, after coughing or sneezing, and before eating or drinking.
• When washing your hands, ensure you take at least 20 seconds and use soap and water. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol hand sanitiser.
• Consider asking your employer if you can work from home.
• Avoid touching your face without first washing your hands.
• In public spaces, you may want to try staying at least two metres away from others and consider using a face covering.

Living with someone who has COVID-19

If you live with someone who has COVID-19, it can be difficult to keep separate from them. Here are some steps you may want to take to reduce your risk of catching COVID-19 from them. Not all of these steps will be possible for everyone.

• Keep two metres (three steps) away from them.
• Sleep in a different room.
• Keep shared spaces, such as kitchens, bathrooms and sitting areas, well-ventilated. Reduce the time they spend in these areas where possible.
• Clean any shared bathrooms after each use.
• Regularly clean surfaces like door handles or light switches that are touched frequently, such as door handles and light switches.
• Try to use the kitchen at different times. Family cutlery and crockery should be washed well.
• Everyone in the household should wash their hands frequently.

‍