COVID-19 infection and care and what to do if you are Covid positive.

If you take a rapid antigen test (RAT), you will have your result in person at the time. If you did this yourself at home, you should record your result in My Covid Record.

If you cannot do this, you can call 0800 222 478 for assistance. Once you have done this, you will receive a text message from the official 2328 number.

This text will include a link to a data free online form that you will need to fill out.

This form will provide information to your health team about any health needs you may have, such as if you are pregnant or have diabetes. 

As a positive case, you should self-isolate if you can, in a separate part of the house and have access to your own bathroom if possible. 

You and everyone in your household will need to isolate at home (or in other suitable accommodation) for seven days or until you are symptom-free. 

You must begin your self-isolation from the date you either developed symptoms or were tested (if you do not have symptoms).

If your symptoms get worse or you need urgent medical care, call your local healthcare provider or Healthline on 0800 358 5453. 

Most people with COVID-19 develop cold and flu-like symptoms that can last up to two weeks. 

Most symptoms can be managed with:

• bed rest (if lying down, change position every 30 minutes to two hours)
• taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve headaches, aches and fevers
• keeping hydrated with regular sips of water
• honey or lozenges for a sore throat
• decongestants for a blocked nose 

You are likely to recover within seven days, but some people may have symptoms which persist for longer.  

If after seven days you are still unwell, stay home. 

Positive cases

• The isolation period for COVID-19 cases in the community is seven days. If you are still unwell, stay home.
• Start counting the seven days from day zero. Day zero is the day that your symptoms started or that you received a positive test result (if you do not have any symptoms).
• Your household members will need to remain in isolation with you until your seven days from day zero are complete.
• If another member of your household tests positive, the rest of your household can still end their isolation when you do. However, the second positive case will need to restart their seven days from their day zero.

Release from isolation

After seven days, and as long as you are free of COVID-19 symptoms, you will be free to leave isolation.

You do not need to be tested. If you were, the result would likely show as positive as you have the virus in your system. 

For further information: 

Advice for people with COVID-19 | Ministry of Health NZ