how long do you have to isolate with covid nsw

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how long do you have to isolate with covid nsw

In New South Wales (NSW) as of 2025, there are currently no mandatory rules requiring self-isolation if you test positive for COVID-19. However, it is strongly recommended to stay home and take steps to protect others. You may be infectious for up to 10 days and are most infectious in the 2 days before symptoms start and while you have acute symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, or runny nose. NSW Health advises:

  • Stay home until your acute symptoms have gone.
  • Wear a mask if you need to leave home while symptomatic.
  • Avoid visiting people at higher risk of severe illness, hospitals, or aged/disability care facilities for at least 7 days.
  • Avoid gatherings and indoor crowded places, especially around people you don't live with.

The previous official requirement to isolate for 7 days if testing positive has been relaxed into a strong recommendation to self-isolate while symptomatic and avoid contact with others to reduce spread. For close contacts, self-isolation for 7 days is still recommended with testing protocols, but this depends on individual risk assessments. Therefore, while isolation is not legally mandated for everyone positive with COVID-19 in NSW in 2025, a recommended isolation period based on symptoms is effectively around 7 to 10 days to minimize risk of transmission to others.