Coronavirus: What Does Self-Isolation Actually Mean?

After Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a 14-day self-isolation for overseas travellers to combat coronavirus, many were left wondering what this actually means.

Does self-isolation mean you literally cannot leave your home for two weeks? Can you go out for a walk? Can you go to the supermarket? What if you have a flatmate?

All valid questions and after researching self-isolation, it’s basically exactly what the name is – cutting yourself off from the outside world.

“At a basic level, you’re just going to go home and stay there,” Dr Ginni Mansberg told 7NEWS.
“[It’s] easy enough if you live alone, but the complication comes in if you’ve got a flatmate or some family members with you.
“You want to try and stay in one room if you can, use your own bathroom if that’s possible.
“Use a kitchen only when you’re on your own, so everyone else will be out of the kitchen, then clean up carefully afterwards.”

Health Direct says:

“Don’t go to public places or places where you might have contact with other people, such as work, school, childcare, university or public gatherings.”

While you’re at home, you should:

wash your hands often with soap and water
cough and sneeze into your elbow
avoid cooking for or caring for other members of your household
do not share dishes, cups, eating utensils, towels, bedding or other items with other people; after using these items, wash them thoroughly with soap and water
wear a mask (which your doctor will provide) when in the same room as other people; the person who is not unwell does not need to wear a face mask while at home
wear a mask if you need to go out in public (for example, if you need to seek healthcare)
ask others, such as friends or family who are not required to be isolated, to get food or other necessities for you and leave at the front door (but restrict visitors who do not need to be in your home)
stay in a different room from other people or be separated as much as possible
avoid contact with elderly people and those with compromised immune systems or chronic health conditions (such as chronic heart, lung or kidney conditions, and diabetes)

Morrison’s decision was put in place at midnight on Sunday and the policy is indefinite and failure to comply could mean jail time.