Private: Frequently Asked Questions

COVID contacts no longer need to quarantine, provided that in the following seven days after the COVID-19 case tests positive you:

• complete a negative rapid antigen test on at least five days,
• wear a mask indoors when outside your home and,
• do not visit sensitive settings such as healthcare, aged and disability care settings.

See our resource for COVID contacts here.

For information in other languages, click here.

For detailed information, visit the Victorian Government’s Checklist for COVID contacts web page.

Speak to the person you have been in contact with to get information like their name and details, as this will be needed when you contact Western Public Health Unit or the Department of Health. Isolate, and email WPHU@wh.org.au or call the 24/7 Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 for advice.

Contacts of COVID-19 cases will no longer be contacted by WPHU or the Department of Health. If you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 they will be in touch with you themselves to let you know about their diagnosis.

If you live with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 you need to complete a negative rapid antigen on at least five days, wear a mask indoors when outside your home and not visit sensitive settings such as healthcare for seven days after the COVID-19 case tests positive.

For information in other languages, click here.

Close contacts who do not follow the testing and mask requirements must quarantine for seven days from the date the COVID case tested positive. During this quarantine period you can leave home to:

• exercise outdoors alone or with others from your household,
• attend urgent animal welfare,
• transport members of your household to healthcare appointments, work or education settings, provided that person is not in quarantine,
• to vote in the federal election (must complete one negative rapid antigen test prior to voting)

You can always leave home in an emergency such as a fire or family violence, or if you need urgent medical care.

For information in other languages, click here.

Quarantine is the separation of well people who have been exposed to an infection like COVID-19, from others who may be at risk.  In Victoria, a person in quarantine must stay in their home or accommodation (hotel) and cannot leave unless in an emergency like fire, family violence, or if urgent medical attention is required.

Isolation is the term used when a person is separated from others because they have tested positive. A person in isolation is at high risk of passing on the infection to others. For more information or support, visit the Department of Health website.

If you have come into contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 you are at risk of also becoming infected. Using a rapid antigen test or getting a PCR test is a good way to tell if any symptoms you develop are due to COVID-19.

Due to high rates of vaccination across the state, quarantine requirements for people exposed outside the household have eased. Contacts are no longer contacted by the Department of Health or the Western Public Health Unit

If you live with a confirmed case of COVID-19 or have spent more than four hours in the same household as a case, you are considered to be a contact and must:

• complete a negative rapid antigen test on at least five days,
• wear a mask indoors when outside the home,
• do not visit sensitive settings such as healthcare, aged and disability care settings.

If you had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 at work or in a social setting, you are now considered to be an exposed person. We recommend you use a rapid antigen test daily for 5 days following your contact with the case. If you are symptomatic you need to get tested, either by using a rapid antigen test or PCR test.

With the increasing number of cases, the public health focus has now moved to those who are in settings where there is a high risk of transmission.