How to avoid COVID-19
5-minute read
If you develop symptoms such as severe shortness of breath or chest pain, call triple zero (000) immediately. Tell the phone operator and the paramedics on arrival if you have COVID-19.
Getting vaccinated
COVID-19 vaccination stops people from becoming very sick if they catch COVID-19.
Vaccines train your immune system to quickly recognise and get rid of the bacteria or viruses that can cause serious illnesses. Vaccines that protect us against COVID-19 are designed to generate an immune response specific to the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines.
Booking your vaccination
Use the Service Finder to book your COVID vaccination or booster.
Need help finding a service?
Use our guided search to find a COVID-19 vaccine clinic.
Wearing a mask
COVID-19 can be spread by airborne respiratory droplets of moisture. It can also spread through moisture present on surfaces or on the skin and clothes.
Wearing a face mask mask can help stop droplets from spreading when people talk, cough and sneeze, which reduces the risk of spreading COVID-19.
Learn more about how to wear a mask and which masks are best.
Allowing for proper ventilation
COVD-19 can spread through the air more easily and across greater distances in poorly ventilated environments.
To lower the risk of spreading COVID-19 indoors, make sure to open a window or use active ventilation systems and ensure the flow of fresh air.
Physical distancing
Physical distancing is a term used to describe how you should keep your distance from people.
Physical distancing helps reduce the risk of a virus being transmitted and includes:
- avoiding crowds and mass gatherings where it is hard to keep a reasonable distance from others (about 1.5 metres)
- avoiding small gatherings in enclosed spaces
- keeping 1.5 metres between you and other people
- not shaking hands, hugging or kissing
- not visiting vulnerable people, such as those in aged care facilities or hospitals, babies or people with weakened immune systems
Good hygiene
Practising good hygiene is one of the best ways to protect yourself from COVID-19. It is essential to keep your hands clean — especially outside your home — and to cover your cough or sneeze.
Good hygiene includes:
- wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser
- cover your cough and sneeze, dispose of tissues and wash your hands immediately after
- regularly clean and disinfect surfaces you use often, such as benchtops and door handles
- avoid touching your face
Preparing your home
If you or someone in your household does get COVID-19, you should have some supplies ready.
Having some essentials, like tissues, masks, gloves and pain relief medication, will help you be better prepared.
Learn more about how to care for someone at home.
Related topics
COVID-19 testing
Learn about COVID-19 testing, including when to get tested, what test you should use and what to do if you test positive to COVID-19.
COVID-19 isolation and recovery
Learn about what happens after you’ve recovered from COVID-19, and when you can leave isolation and return to normal activities.