If you get a positive PCR test result for COVID-19 (coronavirus), you need to self-isolate (stay in your room) for 7 days. Show There is a high risk you could spread the virus to other people. Do this even if you completed your first round of COVID-19 vaccination, had a booster or had a positive PCR test in the past. If you are at the highest risk of serious illness from COVID-19, there are new treatments that may be suitable for you. If your symptoms get worseIf you start to feel very unwell, phone your GP or GP out-of-hours. Do this if your breathing changes or becomes difficult or your cough gets worse. How long to self-isolateYou should self-isolate (stay in your room) as soon as you notice symptoms of COVID-19 or get a positive COVID-19 test result. You need to self-isolate for 7 full days, including day 7 itself. Start from the date you first had symptoms. If you do not have symptoms, it's 7 days from the date of your first positive result. You can stop isolating after 7 days if your symptoms are fully or mostly gone for the last 48 hours. It's OK to stop self-isolating even if you have a mild cough or changes to your sense of smell – these can last for weeks after the infection has gone. Read about how to self-isolate After your 7 days of self-isolationWhen you stop self-isolating after 7 days, you need to take extra care for another 3 days to reduce the risk of passing on COVID-19. Be especially careful in places that are:
You should:
There is separate advice for children who are isolating People you live withYou need to provide details of people you live with if they:
You can do this on the list your contacts website. How long to go backIf you had symptoms of COVID-19 before your test, include people you live with from 48 hours before you developed symptoms. If you did not have symptoms of COVID-19 before your test, include people you live with from 24 hours before your test. Information: You can request a certificate of recovery from 11 days after your positive PCR test. These certificates are issued by the Government, not by the HSE. Request a COVID-19 recovery certificate on gov.ie Last updated: 8 September 2022 at 4pm |