COVID-19
by catherine alderstein·
exclusion period
no mandatory exclusion period — follow the same approach as other respiratory illnesses. stay home while acutely unwell.
symptoms
- •fever or chills
- •cough, sore throat
- •runny nose or congestion
- •headache, body aches
- •fatigue
- •loss of taste or smell (less common in children)
when can your child return to childcare?
the child can return when acute symptoms have resolved and they are well enough to participate in normal activities. there is no mandatory isolation period for COVID-19 as of 2025.
do siblings or contacts need to stay home?
contacts are not excluded but should monitor for symptoms
treatment notes for parents
rest and fluids. paracetamol for fever. most children have mild illness. see a GP if the child is under 3 months with a fever, has difficulty breathing, or is not improving after a few days.
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.