With the ever-changing daily COVID-19 case numbers and areas of concern highlighted by various government and health officials, it's easy to get confused.
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Not least of which when it comes to the difference between "stay at home" and "self-isolate" orders, and whether you're doing the right thing.
Here we explain what both mean, as well as why and when these orders must be followed.
What is a stay at home order?
A stay at home order is issued for people who have been in a specified area of concern where there have been active COVID-19 cases.
The order is issued to people either living in, working or studying in that area, as well as anyone who visited the area during the time of the outbreak.
According the NSW Government, as of Friday August 13, stay at home rules apply if you were in the following local government areas:
- Australian Capital Territory on or after August 5
- Armidale on or after Thursday 29 July 2021
- Ballina, Byron, City of Lismore and Richmond Valley on or after Saturday 31 July 2021
- Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Narromine, Walgett and Warren on or after Thursday 5 August 2021
- Dubbo on or after Sunday 1 August 2021
- Newcastle, Cessnock, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Port Stephens or Singleton on or after Saturday 31 July 2021
- Tamworth on or after Thursday 5 August 2021.
A stay at home order means you should not leave your home unless you have a reasonable excuse.
Reasonable excuses to leave your home outlined by NSW Health include:
- Obtaining food or other goods and services (essential shopping) and only one person per household can leave, once a day, unless they need to take a dependent with them.
- Travelling for attending work or education - where it is not possible to do at home
- Exercise - in groups of no more than two unless they are members of the same household
- Medical reasons - obtaining medical care or supplied, including getting a COVID-19 vaccination
- Carers - providing care or assistance to a vulnerable person
- Attending a funeral of no more than 10 persons
To find out more on reasonable excuses and rules around leaving your home during a stay at home order, visit the Regional and rural restrictions page on NSW government's website.
Getting tested for COVID-19 is not a requirement of stay at home orders.
What makes self-isolation different?
Unlike a stay at home order, if you are required to self-isolate you cannot leave your house or accommodation except for medical care or an emergency situation.
A person that is required to self-isolate has either recently been tested for Covid-19, is diagnosed with the virus, has been in close contact with a confirmed Covid-19 case or been at an exposure site.
NSW Health states that if you have been exposed to Covid-19, you are required to immediately get tested and self-isolate for 14 days.
In accordance to NSW Health, anyone that has been in contact with you since you've been exposed to Covid-19, must also get tested and self-isolate until they have received their result.
Another requirement of self-isolation is to remain separated from others and if living with others must, as much as possible, practice distancing and hygiene.
To find out more on what to do if you've been in close to a person with Covid-19, visit the NSW Health website.
To keep up to date on regional and rural restrictions, visit the NSW Government Covid-19 rules website.
Where can I get tested?
A list of testing sites is available on the ISLHD website.
During this period of high demand, the community is advised anyone seeking a test should be prepared to wait.
Take water and snacks and use the portaloos or outside toilets at the testing site. Please do not enter a health facility while you wait for your test.
It's recommended to pre-register for a COVID-19 test by calling 1800 318 248. The support line is open daily from 7am - 5pm. Pre-registration can also be done using an online inquiry form.
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Amandine Ahrens
I've grown up in the Bega Valley and I'm a regional daily news reporter on the Far South Coast of NSW. Got a story? Get in touch: 0436 426 843 or email amandine.ahrens@austcommunitymedia.com.au
I've grown up in the Bega Valley and I'm a regional daily news reporter on the Far South Coast of NSW. Got a story? Get in touch: 0436 426 843 or email amandine.ahrens@austcommunitymedia.com.au
