In the past couple of months, there have been changes to how we test for COVID-19 and what we need to do if we get a positive result.
The Victorian Department of Health has online information on what to do, including in multiple languages.
If you have any COVID symptoms or are a close contact to someone who is positive you should use a rapid antigen test (called a self-test). If you can’t access a rapid antigen test, you can ask for a PCR test through a testing centre.
You can take a rapid antigen tests at home by yourself. Most tests will provide you with a result in 15 to 30 minutes.
If you test positive you must isolate for 7 days. You must also tell your work, your family and those you’ve spent time with so they can get tested too.
- If you test positive using a self-test, you are considered a case and you may be eligible for financial assistance.
- You must isolate for seven days and follow the checklist for cases.
- You must report your result. Read Reporting your result for more information.
- Make sure the test you are using is an Australian approved test.
If you have COVID-19:
- After you report your result, someone will contact you regularly to enquire about your symptoms. This helps the Department of Health find people who need medical attention.
- If symptoms are mild, keep managing COVID at home. Ask your family to keep track too – but remember to stay isolated.
- If you start to get worse, you should call a doctor or Nurse On Call on 1300 606 024 (available 24/7).
- If symptoms worsen seriously or you feel like it’s an emergency, call triple zero (000) or go straight to hospital. Make sure you tell them you have COVID-19.
Information in other languages
You can listen to information about rapid antigen tests in languages other than English online.
The Department of Health website also has information in other languages.
