Coronavirus: how to self-isolate

The Australian government has made it mandatory for all inbound international travellers to self-isolate for 14 days, effective as of Monday March 16,

Prime Minister Scott Morrison declared the drastic move as necessary to slow the spread of the coronavirus throughout the community.

“What we've seen in recent weeks is more countries having issues with the virus and that means the source of some of those transmissions are coming from more and more countries," Morrison said. “Bans have been very effective to date.”

“The government can't manage every hour of your life and tell you what to do every hour of the day but we can ask you to listen to the information and make your best judgements as you count yourself and your family and those around you," he added.

Self-isolation applies to everyone, citizens and visitors alike, who step off any international flight (as part of the measure, cruise ships from international ports have also be banned).

1. Stay at home

Yes, it sounds obvious, but this is where effective self-isolation begins. You shouldn’t leave home unless it’s to receive medical care – and even then, make sure you’ve called ahead.

Keep in touch with your colleagues, family and friends over the phone but avoid receiving any visitors: only have visitors who you must see, have them stay two metres from you, and keep their visits short.

But ensure that seniors, people with chronic medical conditions (such as diabetes, lung problems or a weakened immune system) and anyone who soon has a medical procedure scheduled.

2. Separate yourself from others

Try to limit yourself to as few rooms as possible in the house (including just one bathroom, if your home has several) – but make sure your room has good airflow.

Don’t share glasses, crockery, cutlery or towels with anyone else once you’ve used them. Wash clothing and towels at a temperature of at least 60C, and keep “high-touch” areas – counters, toilets, sink tap handles, tabletops, doorknobs, TV remotes, bedside tables etc – daily using regular household cleaners, although there’s no harm in reaching a more robust household disinfectant.

If you’re cooking your own meals, do so when others are not in the kitchen, and eat meals in your own space rather than at the dining table.

Otherwise, it’s time to experiment with the local Uber Eats menu and to put the local Thai take-away on speed-dial.

3. Get online

Use online shopping and meal delivery services, or have friends pick up what you need – but make sure that any delivery instructions require the items to be left at the door, not handed over to you in person.

Make the most of ‘remote working’: you might be surprised at how effective it can be, and you might even decide you’d like to do it more often once the mandatory self-isolation period is over.

4. Hand-washing and sanitisation

By now, you should already be using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser throughout the day and washing your hands often and thoroughly, using soap and water while you count to 20 seconds.

Then rinse and dry your hands thoroughly, and make sure nobody else uses that towel. And of course, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

5. Safely dispose of tissues after you cough or sneeze

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; otherwise, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hand.

Throw used tissues into a plastic bag, or a bin lined with a disposable plastic bag, and keep washing your hands with soap and water.

6. Wearing a mask

It’s considered a sensible precaution to wear a mask (if you have one) when you’re in the same room with other people, or if you visit a doctor or medical centre for any necessary treatment. 

7. Monitor your health

Be aware of any physical changes to how you feel. A fever and difficult with breathing are two hallmarks of Covid-19, more than sniffles, sneezing or even coughing, which can all be attributed to anything ranging from an allergy flare-up to a common cold.

David Flynn

David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.