This item contains information current as of 10 November 2022.

We may not have to isolate, but governments are ramping up advice and precautions as cases rise, new variants emerge, and vaccination coverage wanes.

Mandatory isolation ended on 14 October across the nation — but public health authorities are warning the new wave will be with us over the summer.

"We're definitely in that wave," South Australia's Chief Public Health Officer, Nicola Spurrier, said.

"Because we don't have as many people testing anymore, our cases may not look as high, even though we'll have more infections in our community.

"Professor Spurrier urged the public to "take COVID-19-safe behaviours now" and recommended fourth shots for those eligible.

If you test positive for COVID-19 from now on, here is what each state and territory currently recommends that you do:

• NSW
• Victoria
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Western Australia
• Australian Capital Territory
• Northern Territory

NSW Health strongly recommends that people who are sick or have tested positive for COVID-19 stay home until their symptoms have gone or for at least seven days if they work in high-risk settings such as health, disability, and aged care.

It says not to visit people at high risk of severe illness, anyone in a hospital or an aged or disability care facility for at least a week.

If you must leave home, wear a mask indoors and on public transport. Avoid large gatherings and indoor crowds, especially where you will be in contact with groups of people you do not live with.

NSW Health recommends positive RAT results be registered with Service NSW, although it is not compulsory.

Victoria's Department of Health recommends you isolate for at least five days until you no longer have symptoms, including by not going to work, school or grocery shopping.

It says people should not work in or visit high-risk settings like hospitals, aged care, and disability services.

For at least seven days after testing positive, wear a face mask if you need to leave home in an emergency.

Positive RAT results should be reported to the Department of Health online or by calling 1800 675 398.  

Queensland Health recommends wearing a mask in all healthcare settings, on public transport and rideshares, indoors where you cannot socially distance and if you are around people who are vulnerable to COVID-19.

This applies especially to older members of the community and those at risk.

Stay at home and isolate if you have tested positive within the previous seven days or have any symptoms of acute respiratory infection.

Home isolation should end when your symptoms reduce, and you have gone for at least 24 hours without a fever.

Positive RAT results should be reported online.

SA Health encourages anyone with COVID-19 symptoms to get tested and stay at home until symptoms have cleared, which, it says, usually takes five to seven days.

If you are COVID-19 positive and must leave the house, wear a mask, especially when indoors or on public transport, and do not attend large gatherings and crowded indoor places.

For at least seven days, you should avoid people at high risk of severe illness or anyone in a hospital, aged or disability care facility.

If you test positive in a rapid antigen test, you do not need to get a PCR test to confirm the result. You are required to report your positive result within 24 hours using the online form.

Tasmania's Department of Health does not recommend a set number of days for self-isolation but says you may be infectious for up to 10 days.

It recommends that you stay home until your acute symptoms have resolved.

If you must leave the house, wear a mask indoors and on public transport and avoid large gatherings and indoor crowds for at least seven days.

Do not visit people at high risk of severe illness, anyone in a hospital, or an aged or disability care facility for at least seven days.

The health department also says you should contact your usual GP or healthcare provider if you test positive for COVID-19.

If you do not have a regular GP, call the COVID@homeplus care team on 1800 973 363. Positive RAT results should be reported online.

The Department of the Premier and Cabinet says you should stay home if you have COVID-19 until your symptoms have resolved.

It says you should not visit or work in high-risk settings, including hospitals, disability, mental health and aged care residential facilities and other healthcare settings, for seven days after you test positive.

You should record your positive RAT test result with the Department of Health.  

ACT Health recommends you stay home and minimise your contact with others until your COVID-19 symptoms have gone.

If you must leave the house, wear a mask indoors and on public transport, and avoid attending large gatherings or crowded indoor places.

Do not attend high-risk settings, like hospitals, aged or disability care facilities, or visit people at higher risk of severe illness for at least seven days.

If you test positive on a RAT, you must register your positive result online and you will be contacted by ACT Health by phone, text, or email.

NT Health says it is your responsibility, following a positive COVID-19 test, to stay at home while you feel unwell and show symptoms.

It says you should maintain a distance of 1.5 metres away from others, wear a mask indoors and outdoors when social distancing is not possible, and avoid visiting people at high risk of severe illness, people in hospitals, aged care, or disability facilities for at least seven days.

People who test positive need to declare their positive results online.