I have just tested positive for Covid-19, how do I self-isolate safely?

Self-isolation after testing positive for Covid-19 remains a highly recommended and effective measure to help prevent or minimise chances of spreading the virus to those around you.

“If you work closely with a person with Covid-19, you will need to self-quarantine for 10 days because you have had high-risk exposure. High-risk exposure means you had direct, close contact for more than 15 minutes with someone who tested positive for Covid-19 and you did not wear protective cloth masks,” said the NICD. 

The UK National Health Services (NHS) recommends maintaining non-physical contact with family or friends so they can monitor your health. Keeping hydrated, preferably with water, helps cool a high temperature. 

Honey is a recommended home remedy to treat a mild cough, but patients can contact their health service providers if it persists. 

At the start of the pandemic, national health recommended self-isolation for 14 days, but this was later reduced to 10 days. 

“This recommendation is based on the evidence that most patients with mild Covid-19 infections continue to shed the virus from their upper airways for about seven to 12 days. 

“Furthermore, the presence of the virus when testing does not necessarily imply infectiousness,” said former health minister Zweli Mkhize.