What Does Self-Isolation Actually Mean? (Like, Can I Still Go to the Shops?)

Here's what you need to know.

With the number of confirmed coronavirus cases increasing in Australia, measures are being taken to control the spread. Hotels, pubs, clubs, casinos, and cinemas have closed, and universities are moving classes online. Some aged-care facilities have banned visitors completely.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison also gave an unprecedented warning, saying no Aussies should travel abroad, with Virgin suspending all international flights from 30 March to 14 June.

These measures are being put in place to slow down how quickly COVID-19 moves through the community, by limiting opportunities for the virus to jump from person to person.

Another crucial method for stopping the spread of coronavirus is self-isolation.

Who needs to self-isolate?

You must self-isolate in your home or a hotel room if you've been in contact with a person infected with coronavirus. Additionally, it's also a requirement that anyone who arrived from overseas in Australia after 15 March self-isolates for 14 days.

That might seem like a long period of time, but it can take up to two weeks for symptoms of the virus to appear.

Self-isolation differs from social distancing, which means staying at least 1.5 metres away from other people at all times.

Okay, so how does self-isolating work?

If you're self-isolating, that means you cannot go to public places, or places where you'll have contact with other people, including work, school, childcare, university or public gatherings.

If you become unwell, all other members of your household must self-isolate too, and you should keep your distance from one another. You should also avoid sharing a bed with your partner.

In the event that you have to attend a medical appointment, make sure you wear a mask to protect others and use personal transport to get there, like your car.

If you need a breath of fresh air, it's best to go outside in your own private garden, courtyard or balcony.

Can I go to the shops?

Basically: no, you cannot. While self-isolating, it's essential that you stay away from any public areas. If you need food, it's recommended that you ask a healthy family member or friend to pick up your groceries or other necessities for you and drop them at your front door.

You definitely shouldn't go outside to greet them.

Can I get in trouble for not self-isolating?

No one likes being stuck at home, and it might be tempting to venture to your favourite cafe. However, there are some hefty fines for those who repeatedly refuse to self-isolate.

In New South Wales, breaching an order to self-isolate carries a maximum penalty of $11,000 and six months' imprisonment. In Victoria, it's $20,000, and in Queensland it's $13,345.

People who breach an order in the Australian Capital Territory could face a $8,000 fine, while travellers who don't self-isolate in Western Australia are liable for a $50,000 fine.

In the Northern Territory, there's a penalty of $1,256 or six months' prison for not complying with a public health order, and in South Australia the maximum fine is $25,000. In Tasmania, it's $8,400.

What can I do while self-isolating?

We know that self-isolating can be boring, but it's also an opportunity to catch up on some of your favourite television shows, watch a bunch of new films or finally play that new video game you got for Christmas.

If you want to keep yourself both entertained and informed, you could even start listening to some podcasts.

Make sure you use social media to stay connected to your loved ones. Jump on Skype or Teams and chat to your friends and family regularly.

For everything else you need to know about coronavirus, you can check out our special 15-minute episode of You Have To Stan.

What Does Self-Isolation Actually Mean? (Like, Can I Still Go to the Shops?)