Process to follow regarding self-isolation and quarantine if I have tested positive for Covid-19 or have been in contact with someone who has Covid-19

The NICD has published the following process to follow regarding self-isolation and quarantine. If you have been tested for Covid-19 and are awaiting results or have been in contact with someone who has Covid-19, please follow this process:

• You should quarantine yourself at home. Don’t go to work, avoid unnecessary travel and, as far as possible, avoid close interactions with other people.
• You should clean your hands with soap and water frequently. Alcohol-based sanitizers may also be used, provided they contain at least 60% alcohol.
• Do not have visitors in your home. Only those who live in your home should be allowed to stay. If it is urgent to speak to someone who is not a member of your household, do this over the phone.
• You should wear a facemask when in the same room (or vehicle) as other people.
• At home, you should stay in a specific room and use your own bathroom (if possible). If you live in shared accommodation (university halls of residence or similar) with a communal kitchen, bathroom(s) and living area, you should stay in your room with the door closed, only coming out when necessary, wearing a facemask if one has been issued to you.
• You should practice good cough and sneeze hygiene by coughing or sneezing into a tissue, discarding the tissue immediately afterwards in a lined trash can, and then washing your hands immediately.
• If you need to wash your laundry at home before the results are available, wash all laundry at the highest temperature compatible for the fabric using laundry detergent. This should be above 60° C. If possible, tumble dry and iron using the highest setting compatible with the fabric. Wear disposable gloves and a plastic apron when handling soiled materials, if possible, and clean all surfaces and the area around the washing machine. Do not take laundry to a laundrette. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling dirty laundry (remove gloves first if used).
• You should avoid sharing household items like dishes, cups, eating utensils and towels. After using any of these, the items should be thoroughly washed with soap and water.
• All high-touch surfaces like table tops, counters, toilets, phones, computers, etc. that you may have touched should be appropriately and frequently cleaned.
• Call the wellness centre for emotional support.
• Monitor your symptoms. Seek prompt medical attention if your condition changes.
• Provide honest updates to your immediate family members so that they can help you seek additional medical attention.
• If you develop a fever or any of the established symptoms, call your doctor or healthcare facility.
• If your test results are positive, continue with the above precautions and seek prompt medical assistance to secure necessary medical guidance or medication. If your condition deteriorates, call an ambulance, inform the call handler or operator that you have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and require further medical support.