Get yourself ready for COVID-19

COVID-19 is spreading through Aboriginal communities and it’s likely many people will either get COVID-19 or be a close contact of someone who has COVID-19.

Wherever you live, whatever your health conditions and whatever your vaccination status, you’ll be cared for.

Now is the time to get ready for COVID-19.

Even fully vaccinated people might still get COVID-19.

Here are a few simple steps you can take to keep yourself, your family and community safe:

Get vaccinated

If you are vaccinated, there is a better chance that you will not get very sick, go to hospital, or die from COVID-19. Book your vaccination now.

Get a COVID-19 booster vaccine

A booster increases your protection against COVID-19, especially the Omicron variant.

If you are 16 years or older, you are eligible for a booster 3 months after your second dose. Book your booster now.

Talk to your doctor

Make an appointment to talk to your doctor or healthcare worker about any health concerns or conditions that worry you.

Use the COVID safe QR check-in where required

It is the quickest way to know if you have been exposed to COVID-19 at a public location or event. Find out more.

Have your proof of COVID-19 vaccination ready

Print your proof of vaccination and carry it with you or connect your proof of vaccination to your mySA GOV account so you can see it on your phone when you check-in somewhere. You will need proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter some businesses and all high-risk locations, such as hospitals, Aboriginal community controlled health organisations, residential aged care and disability care facilities.

Get a COVID-19 test if you feel sick (No matter how mild the symptoms)

We use two types of tests to detect COVID-19 in South Australia, PCR tests, which are carried out at testing clinics and Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) which can be done at home.

After your COVID-19 test, you must stay away from others and not have visitors until you get your test results. For more information about your testing options and locations, visit Testing for COVID-19.

Wear a mask

Always carry a mask with you. Use it when you cannot stay two big steps away from others.

Prepare a ‘Ready for COVID-19’ kit

By having a ‘Ready for COVID-19’ kit, you will be prepared for COVID-19 and home isolation if you or someone in your family gets sick.

If you need to isolate, or start to have COVID-19 symptoms, you will not be able to visit a shop to collect supplies. Start preparing your ‘Ready for COVID-19’ kit now and make a plan with family/friends to help out if needed.

Your kit should include:

  • A thermometer
  • Pain medicine (paracetamol or ibuprofen)
  • Rehydration powders/tablets (e.g. electrolyte drinks)
  • Sore throat tablets
  • Your usual medicines (keep more than 2 weeks supply at home)
  • A plan to look after your children, pets, or people you take care of in case you become very sick and have to go to hospital
  • Masks, hand sanitiser and gloves
  • A plan to get food and basics for 2 weeks (know how to order online or have a family member/friend who can drop off supplies to your door)
  • phone numbers for people you can call if you need help
  • stay-at-home activities to keep you entertained

Download the Fact sheet (PDF 184KB) to help you prepare your ‘Ready for COVID-19’ kit.

The majority of people will be able to manage their symptoms at home while isolating.
You should contact your doctor or healthcare worker if you:

  • are not feeling better after 2 or 3 days
  • have a chronic health condition
  • are pregnant.

Learn what will happen if you get COVID-19

Most people who test positive for COVID-19 will have mild to moderate symptoms like a runny nose, headache, feeling tired, a sore throat or cough and can safely manage COVID-19 at home supported by the COVID-19 Response Care Team.

You can help yourself to feel better at home by:

  • resting
  • drinking plenty of fluids
  • taking paracetamol and medicines as directed.

Learn about home isolation and quarantine, how to safely isolate from others and understand how you will be supported during home isolation.

Read more about what will happen if you:

If you are concerned about any symptoms or require urgent support while you are home, call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You should only call Triple Zero (000) or attend an emergency department if you have very severe symptoms.

If you are feeling worried or anxious, call the Aboriginal Mental Health Support and Advice Line (Thirilli) - 1800 841 313 (9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday).

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander remote communities

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person who lives in a rural or remote community, you have an increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 as you may:

  • have limited access to health and medical care
  • live in a multi-generational household or live with multiple people in one household
  • have pre-existing health conditions
  • be over the age of 50.

Where to get help