COVID-19 Close Contact

Who is a ‘close contact’?

State and territory governments decide on the definition of a close contact and there are differences between them. Please check the definition made by the government of the state or territory that you are in.

You are generally a close contact of someone who has COVID-19 if:

  • you are living with someone who has COVID-19; or
  • have spent a lot of time indoors with someone who has COVID-19; or
  • under exceptional circumstances determined by states or territories

What should I do if I am a close contact of someone who has COVID-19?

If you are a close contact of someone who has COVID-19, you should follow the close contact recommendations of the state or territory that you are in.

The recommendations will most likely include wearing a mask, getting tested, working or studying from home, and avoiding high-risk settings and having contact with people at risk of severe illness for a period of time.

Do I need to isolate if I am a close contact?

If you are a close contact of someone who is a confirmed case of COVID-19, you do not need to isolate. But you should follow the recommendations of the state or territory you live in.