We’ve put together an explainer of each protocol and what each one means for you.
At testing sites, wear a mask and physically distance.
You now need to report a positive RAT result; you can do this via the Service Victoria app, by calling 1800 675 398, or online at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/report.
If you become very unwell, always seek medical help at your doctors and only call 000 or attend an emergency department in an emergency.
Protocol one — COVID-19 confirmed by a positive PCR or RAT test
Isolate at home for seven days from the day you had your positive PCR or RAT test, and get another test at day six if you still have symptoms.
If this test is positive, stay home until you don’t have symptoms or you have a negative PCR or RAT test.
Get tested again at day 12 if you still have symptoms.
If you have no symptoms at day seven, you can return to normal living and do not need another test.
You must also tell your school or workplace that you have COVID-19.
Wear a mask for at least seven days in high-risk settings and outside your home following a negative test or symptoms ending.
Protocol two — Close contact and have symptoms
Close contacts are people who live with someone who has COVID-19 or have spent more than four hours in an aged care, health, or home setting with a person who has COVID-19.
Stay home for seven days from when you last had contact with someone who has COVID-19 and get a PCR or RAT test.
Stay home while you are waiting for the result, and follow protocol one if you have a positive result from your test.
If you have a negative result, continue to isolate for seven days.
Take another PCR or RAT on day six. You can return to normal living after your isolation period ends if you test negative.
You should wear a mask and avoid visiting high-risk settings for 14 days following your exposure to COVID-19.
Protocol three — Close contact with no symptoms
Stay at home for seven days following contact with person who has COVID-19.
Take a RAT as soon as possible; if positive follow protocol one, if negative, monitor for symptoms and follow protocol two if they develop.
On isolation day six take another PCR or RAT; if it’s negative and you have no symptoms, you can return to normal living after completing your seven-day isolation.
If this test is positive, follow protocol two.
Wear a mask when leaving home and in high-risk settings for at least 14 days following your exposure to the person with COVID-19.
Protocol four — Other contacts
This is the category for if you’ve had less contact with someone who has COVID-19, such as in a social, shopping, education or workplace setting.
Monitor for symptoms and have a RAT or PCR test if they occur; follow protocol one if the test is positive.
Wear a mask when leaving home and in high-risk settings for at least 14 days following your exposure to COVID-19.
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