COVID-19
the complete guide to the childcare exclusion period for COVID-19 in Australia — how long to keep your child home, symptoms to watch for, and when they can return.
exclusion period
until acute symptoms have resolved — there is no longer a mandatory isolation period
symptoms
- •fever
- •cough
- •sore throat
- •runny nose
- •tiredness
- •body aches
- •loss of taste or smell
- •difficulty breathing (seek medical help)
incubation period
2-14 days (usually 2-5 days with current variants)
contagious period
most contagious in the first 5 days after symptoms start. can be contagious from 2 days before symptoms appear.
notes for parents
as of 2024-25, mandatory isolation is no longer required in any Australian state or territory. however, children should stay home while unwell and follow their childcare centre's illness policy. rapid antigen tests (RATs) are available from pharmacies.
view all exclusion periods
the complete illness-by-illness guide
this guide is for informational purposes only. exclusion periods are based on the NHMRC's Staying Healthy guidelines and were accurate at the time of writing. always consult your child's GP or childcare centre for specific advice. mini mode is not a medical service and is not affiliated with any government department.