When lockdown comes to an end, people who have Covid symptoms will still need to self-isolate. So how do you self-isolate at home to stop it spreading to the rest of the house? Here’s what the government’s Covid advice is, along with illustrations by Virginia Ngaio.

Even in the distant future when we’re laughing and playing frisbee in the park with our friends at alert level 1, we will still need to self-isolate if we get sick.

At all alert levels, people who have Covid-like symptoms, test positive for Covid-19 or are a close contact of someone who tested positive will all need to self-isolate.

If you get sick, the first thing you need to do is call you GP, or Healthline (0800 611 116). Then, most people will need to recover at home.

Here’s how to self-isolate inside your own home when you live with others:

• avoid face-to-face contact closer than 1 metre for more than 15 minutes
• don’t share a bed, linen or towels with anyone else

Illustration: Virginia Ngaio @virginia.ngaio

• stay in a well-ventilated room with an open window
• avoid time in shared living rooms, kitchens or bathrooms
• clean the bathroom after every use – use your own towel and roll of toilet paper

Illustration: Virginia Ngaio @virginia.ngaio

• use your own set of plates and cups and clean them after every use

Illustration: Virginia Ngaio @virginia.ngaio