If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 you must isolate to prevent the spread of infection until given the all clear from a health professional.
How to effectively isolate at home
Those diagnosed with COVID-19 must isolate to prevent the spread of infection until given the all clear from a health professional. This means staying at home, living in a separate room, ensuring others do not enter your home and having groceries and other essential items delivered. If you feel you are not coping with isolating at home please let your health provider know asap.
Stay at home, unless you need to leave to get urgent medical care do not leave your home. If you do need to see a doctor, call ahead before attending their healthcare service, and advise them that you have COVID-19. With the Tend app you can talk directly to a GP from the comfort of your isolating space.
Live in a separate room away from other people in your household, if possible. Use a separate bathroom that others do not use, if you can. If you cannot isolate yourself in a separate room, avoid shared spaces in the house as much as possible and wear a mask when moving through shared areas.
Do not let anyone enter your home. The people who usually live in your house with you can continue to stay in the house with you. However, they are considered to be close contacts and are also required to isolate - stay at home.
Have groceries and other essential items delivered to your home. No one can leave the home so it is important to arrange delivery of groceries and other essential items. Many supermarkets and food outlets offer home delivery. If you are having difficulty, consider phoning friends or neighbours who may be able to drop essential items at your door.
Caring for your mental wellbeing
Receiving a positive diagnosis for COVID-19 can be overwhelming and you may feel anxious. If you are feeling unwell and your mental health is getting worse, let your Tend Care Team know and we will be able to assist you.
Our top tips to help take care of your mental wellbeing
Tip | Details |
|---|---|
Stay connected | Although you will be quarantined while you have COVID-19, try stay in touch with the people you care about over the phone or online. |
Minimise news feeds | Try reduce how much you watch, read or listen to the news that makes you feel anxious or distressed. Instead, read your favourite book or listen to an interesting podcast. |
Avoid alcohol and drug use | Avoid using alcohol and drugs as a way of dealing with fear, anxiety, boredom and loneliness or social isolation. Try learning a new skill or starting a creative project to help cure some of your quarantine boredom. |
Accept the situation | You should understand that you have a viral infection and your body is fighting it. You may feel unwell, but you will recover. You may have days when you feel great, and other days where you don’t. Accepting that this is normal is important for your overall recovery and mental wellbeing. |
Adjust your physical space | Adjust your environment so that it makes you feel good and supports your body to recover! Something as simple as taking a cold shower, changing your bed linen, letting fresh air into your room or wearing your favourite slippers can be comforting. |
Rest and hydrate | Getting enough sleep and drinking enough water helps your body to fight the virus. Try going to bed at a reasonable time and having a bottle of water always at the ready! |
Gentle exercise | Doing gentle exercise such as arm raises, sitting and standing or marching is not only good for your physical health but also your mental wellbeing. Try set time aside each day to move your body. |
Try to stick to your normal routine | Sticking to your usual routine in a safe way as much as possible will make going back to normal easier. For example, set yourself regular mealtimes and sleeping schedules. |
If you, or someone you know, requires emergency care for any issues related to mental health, please contact your local Crisis Assessment Team through the Ministry of Health.