If you test positive for COVID-19
If your test is positive
If you test positive a health professional will call you to discuss:
- all the people you have had contact with recently
- if you will move into a quarantine facility or self-isolate at home.
In a quarantine facility, we can look after your health and wellbeing, and more easily stop the virus from spreading. Your family can join you if you want. Otherwise, they will need to self-isolate at home.
In quarantine, you will get 3 meals a day and snacks, Wi-Fi, laundry services, basic toiletries, and refreshments.
Read more about isolation facilities | miq.govt.nz (external link)
There is no cost to you for these services or the care that you receive. You may be eligible for the COVID-19 Leave Support Scheme if you need to take leave from work.
Isolation at home
If you test positive for COVID-19, you may be able to isolate at home.
A medical officer of Health will decide if this is appropriate for you. You will need to meet certain criteria to isolate at home.
If you are isolating at home because you have tested positive for COVID-19, and you need urgent medical help, please call 111.
Hospital care and ambulance services are free for those with COVID-19. By calling 111, you can get the care you need.
Care at home | health.govt.nz (external link)
These instructions are outlined in section 70 orders | health.govt.nz (external link)
Going into quarantine
You will usually be asked to move into a quarantine facility as quickly as possible. This helps to make sure we can stop the virus from spreading to others, and make sure you are well looked after.
The staff at the quarantine facility are well-trained in cleaning and hygiene procedures to keep the disease isolated. They have protective equipment to do this safely.
Quarantine facility staff will closely watch your physical and mental health during your stay.
A staff member from your public health unit will help you in making arrangements, including transport to the facility.
Your household close contacts will need to self-isolate. It is up to you and your family/household to decide:
- if you want to isolate together in a quarantine facility, or
- if the person with COVID-19 goes into quarantine alone.
A staff member from your public health unit will support you in making these decisions and arrangements.
If you have pets
If you have pets that will need to be looked after while you are away from home, you will have time to make these arrangements.
Self-isolation
Self-isolation means staying at home and taking common sense precautions to avoid close contact with those you live with.
Guidance on self-isolation at home | health.govt.nz (external link)
Staying in quarantine
On arrival, you will get a 'welcome pack' with information about what to expect during your stay.
You will get 3 meals a day and snacks, Wi-Fi, laundry services, basic toiletries, and refreshments, so you don not need to leave to get supplies.
Read more about isolation facilities | miq.govt.nz (external link)
There is no cost to you for these services or the care that you receive.
If you are unwell, a dedicated health team will be caring for you.
If you become very unwell you may need to go to the hospital. In this case, the hospital will take the steps needed to isolate you while giving you the medical care you need. If you have tested positive for COVID-19, you will not need to pay for your stay in quarantine, or any COVID-19 related medical costs.
Returning home from a quarantine facility
The health team that cares for you will determine when you can return home and resume your everyday activities. They will need to be confident you are no longer infectious.
If you had a mild to moderate illness that did not need hospital care, this will be:
- at least 10 days after the onset of your symptoms, and
- after you have had no symptoms for at least 72 hours.
If you had a more severe illness that required hospital care you will need more time before you can return home and resume your usual activities. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Financial support
If you need to self-isolate and you cannot work from home, your employer (or you if you are self-employed) can apply for the COVID-19 Leave Support Scheme.
The Leave Support Scheme is paid at a flat rate of:
- $600 a week for full-time workers who were working 20 hours or more a week
- $359 a week for part-time workers who were working less than 20 hours a week.
Who is eligible for the COVID-19 Leave Support Scheme — Work and Income (external link)
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