Healthy North Coast is reminding the community of the importance of isolating if you have any COVID-19 symptoms – even if a rapid antigen test (RAT) has returned a negative result.
The same isolation rules apply if you are a household contact of someone with COVID-19, or if you’re at higher risk of severe disease.
As incidents of the disease increase across the North Coast, it is important to use common sense and stay home if there is any chance you have COVID.
If you meet any of the above criteria, children included, you should isolate for 7 days.
If you have symptoms, take another RAT, if available, in 24 hours or have a PCR test. If your second test is positive, you are considered a confirmed case. If the second test is negative, you should isolate until your symptoms have gone.
The most common COVID-19 symptoms include:
- fever
- cough
- tiredness
- loss of taste or smell.
Less common symptoms include:
- sort throat
- headache
- aches and pains
- diarrhoea
- skin rash or discolouration of fingers or toes
- red or irritated eyes.
It’s important to seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, loss of speech or mobility, or chest pain.
People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms at home.
On average, it takes 5 to 6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days.
There are three 1800 numbers people can call for free advice and support:
- NSW Health COVID-19 Care at Home Support Line on 1800 960 933 (8:30 am to 8:30 pm)
- the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 (24/7)
- the National healthdirect service on 1800 022 222 (24/7).
Visit the NSW Government for more information about testing, looking after yourself and protecting your community: