Finding out you have COVID-19

Finding out you have COVID-19

If you have tested positive using a rapid antigen test (RAT) report your result in My Covid Record. If you have a valid mobile number you will receive a text message from the official 2328.

This text will have a link to the COVID-19 contact tracing form so you can:

• share your symptoms
• provide details of your household contacts
• provide details of high-risk locations you have been to
• identify health needs for extra health support
• access the Ministry of Social Development's welfare support.

Testing positive through a PCR test

If you have a valid mobile number you will receive this text if you test positive with a PCR test.

If you do not have a mobile number you will get a call to tell you that you have tested positive.

When you need to begin your self-isolation

The day you begin self-isolation is called Day 0. You must begin from the date you either:

• developed symptoms
• were tested (if you do not have symptoms).

When you can end your self-isolation

The last day of your self-isolation is either:

• 7 days after your symptoms started
• 7 days after you got a positive test result.

The day you can continue your normal activities, including work, is called Day 8. You may get a text message confirming your self-isolation has ended. You do not need to wait for an official message to leave self-isolation.

If you still have symptoms

• Students who test positive for COVID-19 are not required to self-isolate past seven days, but they shouldn’t return to school if they are still feeling unwell.
• Many children will have long lasting runny nose and cough after viral infections. If it is over 10 days since the onset of the COVID infection and they are no longer feeling unwell, they are unlikely to be transmitting any active COVID infection and can return to school. However, if they are continuing to feel unwell or their symptoms are worsening after 10 days then GP review is recommended.

COVID-19 symptoms

What self-isolation means for you

Self-isolation means:

• not going to work or school
• not going to any public places (for example, shops)
• not using public transport
• not have any visitors in your home, unless they are providing healthcare, emergency maintenance or emergency services.

Permitted reasons to leave self-isolation

There are some reasons you can leave your home but you must wear a mask to:

• get tested or go for a medical examination
• move to another place of self-isolation in order to preserve your own or another person's life, health or safety
• attend any court, tribunal, New Zealand Parole Board hearing, or other judicial institution you are required to attend
• visit a dying relative who is not expected to live beyond your 10 days of self-isolation
• visit the body of a relative before a funeral or tangihanga if you will not be able to visit the body after your 7 days of self-isolation.

Exercising during self-isolation

You can exercise outdoors in your neighbourhood (but not at a swimming pool or gym). You must physically distance yourself from other people, but you do not need to wear a mask.

Stick to gentle, familiar exercise. Do not take on new or risky activities that may lead to a need for you to be rescued.

Website - Tips for self-isolating

Household contacts

When you need to begin your isolation

You need to begin your isolation at the same time as the person in your house who has COVID-19.

You do not need to isolate as a household contact if:

• you have had COVID-19 in the last 90 days and have recovered
• it has been less than 10 days since your last isolation as a household contact.

If more than 10 days have passed since your isolation ended, you will need to isolate again as a household contact.

When you can end your isolation

Your isolation will end at the same time as the first person with COVID-19 in your household if:

• your day 3 and day 7 tests are negative
• they have completed their 7 days self-isolation.

Isolation Timeline Tool

You can work out your isolation dates using the tool on the COVID-19 Health Hub:

Create your household isolation timeline | COVID-19 Health Hub