COVID-19 cases are again on the rise, so how long should you self-isolate now there are no requirements? – ABC News

An uptick in COVID-19 cases has triggered a fresh warning for people to isolate if they're unwell and consider a booster vaccination, ahead of another feared "COVID Christmas".

Australia is in the grip of an eighth wave of the virus, and NSW Health says community transmission in the state is "moderate to high".

A growing number of people are becoming infected across the country, including NSW Premier Chris Minns who tested positive on Monday and is now self-isolating at home.

In a social media post, Mr Minns said while there were no rules requiring people to self-isolate, it was strongly recommended they stay at home until symptoms subside to protect the community.

It has been well over a year since laws requiring people to self-isolate and register a positive COVID test were scrapped.

But now there are no longer any hard and fast rules around self-isolation and reporting of COVID infections, what should you do if you get it?

Despite it no longer being mandatory, NSW Health Director of Health Protection Jeremy McAnulty said self-isolation remained an important pillar of managing the virus.

"We're really relying on the community to look after themselves by doing those simple things that we've learned to do," Dr McAnulty said.

Dr McAnulty said people who test positive should stay at home until acute symptoms have gone, which could be up to 10 days.

Those who work in a high-risk setting such as health, disability and aged care are advised to stay away from the workplace for at least seven days, and then until their symptoms have subsided.

"If you do need to go out for essential reasons, use a mask so that can help reduce the risk of spread, and certainly don't go to crowds or parties if you've got symptoms," he said.

People should also avoid contact with anyone at higher risk of severe illness, anyone in hospital or an aged or disability care facility for at least seven days.

Those with a higher risk of severe illness include all people aged 70 years or older, people aged 50 with additional risk factors, pregnant women and people of any age who are immunocompromised.

Dr McAnulty said people in those categories should plan ahead and make prior arrangements with their doctor in the event they test positive to COVID.

"That means if you know it's COVID or flu, the doctor can then make sure you get antivirals which will help in a good outcome for you," he said.

While antivirals can reduce the severity of illness, NSW Health is stressing that they are not a substitute for vaccination.

Anyone aged 75 or over should receive an extra dose of a COVID-19 vaccine if it has been more than six months since their last shot, according to the current recommendations by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).

Dr McAnulty said it was still unclear whether the latest wave of the virus would peak before Christmas.

"I think the assumption is that there'll be plenty of COVID around over the festive period, so it's important people do those things to protect themselves and others," he said.

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COVID-19 cases are again on the rise, so how long should you self-isolate now there are no requirements? - ABC News