Hygiene and physical distancing

Stay home if you have symptoms

It is more important than ever to stay home and get tested if you have any symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), however mild.

• Do not go to work or school.
• Do not visit anyone, especially older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Wash your hands

Good hygiene is critical for slowing the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Everyone should be taking the following hygiene actions:

Wash your hands

• Wash your hands regularly with for at least 20 seconds, using soap and water or use a hand sanitiser that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Wash your hands when you get home, arrive at other people’s homes, at venues or at work.
• Wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, or using the toilet.

Don’t cough or sneeze into your hands

• Cover your nose or mouth with a tissue, then throw it away and wash your hands.
• If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or upper sleeve.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• If you are wearing a face mask, leave it on.
• Do not share drink bottles, glasses, crockery or cutlery other than with people you live with.

Further information

• For information on staying safe while caring for an unwell family member or loved one, see How to care for those in isolation or quarantine
• For information for people who are elderly, have a chronic illness, who are immunocompromised, see About coronavirus.

Keep your distance – stay 1.5 metres away from people you don’t live with

• Greet people with a smile or wave - don’t shake hands, hug or kiss as a greeting.
• Stay 1.5 metres away from people where you can.
• Avoid crowds, especially indoors.
• When waiting in line or walking through busy areas, be patient, give others space so they can give you yours.

Wear a face mask

Wearing a face mask protects you and your community by providing an additional physical barrier to coronavirus (COVID-19).  

Everyone must wear a face mask when required, unless a lawful exception applies.

For more information visit face masks.

Stay healthy

• Keep eating a balanced diet.
• Get regular exercise and sleep.
• Reduce your alcohol intake.
• If you’re a smoker, think about and try quitting. Call the Quitline on 13 78 48.
• Get vaccinated for flu (influenza). This will help reduce the demand on the healthcare system as it deals with coronavirus (COVID-19). Vaccines are now available from your GP and pharmacy.

Stay connected and support each other

It is important to keep connected as a community, even while physically distancing. You can support your friends and family by continuing these key actions:

• If you or a loved one is feeling anxious or concerned at this time, help and support is available.
• Where possible, keep connected to your family, friends and work colleagues through video conferencing, phone, email and social media.
• Look out for your neighbours and family members.
• Stay informed. Seek information from reputable sources, for example the coronavirus (COVID-19) section on this site.

Cleaning

Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces regularly (for example phones, keyboards, door handles, light switches, bench tops) can help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

• First step is cleaning, which means wiping dirt and germs off a surface. You can use common household detergent products stocked at supermarkets for cleaning.
• Second step is to disinfect the surface. Supermarkets stock common household disinfection products – it is important to use products that are labelled "disinfectant" and to follow the instructions on the label.
• Further information for businesses is available at the Business sector page.

Actions for parents and guardians

If you are a parent or guardian, make plans in case your child becomes unwell and cannot attend childcare or school. Discuss with your employer if necessary.

If your school-aged child is unwell with symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) you should:

• Seek medical advice and get them tested.
• Keep them at home unless they need medical assistance. Do not let them go to the shops, a friend’s house, childcare or school. Keep them away from elderly grandparents and people with underlying medical conditions.
• If your child or young person is regularly cared for by grandparents or elderly family members, consider alternative options to reduce the risk of vulnerable people being exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19).