Self Isolation
What does self-isolation mean?
Self-isolation means that you have not been in any places for 14 days where you could give the COVID-19 virus to other people, and you have stayed at home.
A virus is something that can make people sick.
It can take up to 14 days from the time a person has been around someone with COVID-19 to when they get sick.
It is important to self-isolate - so that the virus is not passed on to other people - if you do get sick during this time.
You need to call Healthline if:
- You are not sure if you should self-isolate.
- You decide to self-isolate.
The phone number for Healthline is
0800 358 5453
It will not cost you any money to call Healthline.
Healthline is open all the time – day and night.
Who needs to self-isolate?
You need to self-isolate if you:
- Have been tested and found to have COVID-19.
- Have been tested for COVID-19 and waiting to find out your results.
- Have been in close contact in the last 14 days with someone who has been told they have COVID-19.
If you are feeling sick and you:
- Have a cough.
- Have a fever – this is when you are feeling really hot.
- Are finding it hard to breathe.
You need to self-isolate.
People coming into New Zealand from overseas also need to self-isolate for 14 days from the day they left the overseas country.