Guide to Home Isolation
Read through this guide to familiarise yourself with resources available to you and make yourself comfortable at home. #staycation
You should enter home isolation if you:
What is home isolation?
Home isolation means that you will stop attending public places including university and shops, stay at home and monitor your health for signs of illness. If you need to leave the house for a doctor’s appointment, wear a mask and wash your hands before and after with soap and water for 20 seconds or use alcohol based hand sanitiser. The recommended commitment to home isolation is 2 weeks.
How long should I home isolate?
14 days
Feeling sick?
If you’re already experiencing a sore throat, cough, fever, or shortness of breath don’t hesitate to contact the Public Health Unit at 1300 066 055
Worried about missing class?
UNSW has answered heaps of FAQs here: www.unsw.to/coronavirus. If you're still unsure get in touch with The Nucleus: Student Hub (9385 8500).
How do I set up my self-isolation?
UNSW International Student Experience will help you set everything up while you are in isolation and check on you regularly. Let them know what you need and how you are feeling by calling the UNSW hotline (02) 9385 8500 (press 1 for coronavirus). They will help you with any questions you may have and check in to see how you’re feeling throughout the 14 day period.
What if I live with other people?
This is a big one. It’s actually ok to stay in your own home if you live in shared accommodation, as long as you have a private bedroom. Just avoid shared spaces, don’t invite friends over and use a private bathroom if possible. Wipe down surfaces regularly with disinfectants and follow our how to stay healthy guide. If you share a bedroom, contact the UNSW International Experience Team and they will help you find alternate accommodation.
Call (02) 9385 8500 (press 1 for coronavirus).
How do I get food and essentials?
If you haven’t stocked up on food, ask a friend to drop off groceries outside your front door or order food delivery. If you’re missing something like medications, sanitary products or anything else, reach out to international.student@unsw.edu.au for help or call the UNSW Helpline
(02) 9385 8500 (press 1 for coronavirus).
Will I be all alone?
In home isolation you should stay alone as much as possible. However, now is the time to embrace modern technology and make sure to keep talking to friends and family over the phone or by video chat every single day.
Can I go outside at all?
If you have a doctor’s appointment and need to leave the house, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly beforehand and wear a mask while you are outside. If you have a private garden or balcony, you can spend time outside alone.
How do I look after my health?
Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water before and after you eat and when you use the toilet and cover your nose when you sneeze with your elbow or tissue. Keep up your exercise by following along with online classes — yoga, pilates and cardio sessions are a great way to keep up your fitness and mood. If you have a sore throat, cough, fever, shortness of breath call Public Health Unit at 1300 066 055.
How do I look after others?
Make sure to always throw your tissues away into a sealed plastic bag inside a bin and wear a mask covering your mouth when you’re around other people.
What happens if I start feeling lonely or anxious?
If you start to feel lonely, sad or worried reach out to Lifeline 13 11 14 or work through online self-help modules at thiswayup.org.au.
What am I going to do all day?
You’ll find heaps to do! This is a great opportunity to try that craft you’ve always wanted to try, finish that long book you’re reading, get a head start on the uni year with some planning and study or head to Lynda.com for free tutorials on a range of skills! And if you’re feeling like a movie day or two, now’s the time to try out those free trials for Disney+ and Amazon Prime.
Important contacts
UNSW International Student Experience
(02) 9385 4734
international.student@unsw.edu.au
Public Health Unit
1300 066 055
Lifeline
13 11 14
Emergency Services
000
