What to do if a family member has COVID-19 (2020/12/16)

1. Put them in a separate room (as much as is possible)

Make sure the room you put the infected family member in can be easily ventilated and has a window.
Be sure that the infected family member does not leave their room (as much as is possible).
Be sure that they do not use the same rooms as other family members (such as the toilet or the bath, as much as is possible).
Be sure to ventilate rooms that the infected family member has used (toilet, etc).
Be sure that the infected family member uses a separate room for eating and sleeping (away from other family members); if keeping them in a separate room is difficult, then be sure that they are always at least two meters away from other family members.

2. Designate one family member to take care of them

The person who takes care of the infected family member is at the highest risk of infection; decide on one person who will take care of them while they are sick.

3. Have every member of your family wear a mask

Wear a mask even if you are not infected.
Do not bring the mask you used inside the room with the infected family member outside with you; throw it away and use a new one.

4. Frequently wash your hands and gargle

All family members must frequently wash their hands well with soap and disinfect them with alcohol.
Remember to gargle.

5. Ventilate rooms

Decide on a time to ventilate the room that the infected family member is in.
Be sure to ventilate rooms that non-infected family members use as well.

6. Disinfect surfaces that family members touch; do not share towels or eating utensils

Disinfect surfaces that the infected family member and non-infected family members frequently touch such as doorknobs. Use 0.1% sodium hypochlorite (contained in chlorine bleach for household use; ask at your local drug store) to disinfect surfaces.
Do NOT share towels or eating utensils (plates, spoons, etc); after use, be sure to wash them with detergent/soap.
Be sure to clean the toilet and bath with your usual cleaners.

7. Wash dirty laundry separately from the family

Wear a mask and gloves when touching clothing that has been soiled by diarrhea (etc).
Wash the infected family member’s clothing separately from non-infected family members.
Use your usual detergent and allow the clothing to dry completely.

8. Completely close and seal all garbage bags before throwing out

Used tissues from blowing your nose contain the virus. Put all trash into plastic bags immediately and seal them shut before throwing them away.
After throwing out the trash, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands.

Family members and those living with persons infected with COVID-19 may already have it. For 14 days after the infected person gets better, all members of the family should be aware of their own health; wear masks when going to work or school and wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

This information was put together based on the Advice for Households When Family Members Are Suspected of COVID-19 from the Japanese Society for Infection Prevention and Control.

Inquiries regarding this page

Multiculturalism Promotion Division
Human Rights Education Department
Citizens Affairs Bureau
The City of Hiroshima