Barwon South West Public Health Unit

COVID-19

Barwon Health has a dedicated hotline for people in the Barwon South West region to contact if they have concerns about their health status and are not able to get hold of their GP.

Call 1300 942 241 between 8:30am and 4:30pm, 7 days a week.

What are antivirals?
Antiviral medications reduce the risk of severe disease, hospital admission and death. They may also reduce the risk of you passing on COVID to your household.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may be eligible to receive antiviral treatment if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, and meet the eligibility criteria.

How can I access antivirals?

Antiviral medications are available for COVID-19 positive people at risk of severe disease.

You may now be eligible to access antiviral medication. Click here to see full eligibility details.

People with a high risk of getting very sick with COVID-19 can get medicine to help them stay well.

There are medicines to:
• treat COVID-19 symptoms if you get infected
• reduce your chances of getting COVID-19
• COVID-19 medicines do not replace vaccination.

Only people most likely to need hospital care can get COVID-19 medicines.

This includes people who:
• are aged 70 and over
• are aged 50 and over with certain health conditions (or 30 if they're Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander)
• have a weakened immune system, disability or are born with heart disease.

If you are eligible, treatment needs to start as soon as possible within 5 days of your symptoms starting.

Children with significant medical comorbidities and pregnant women are also advised to contact their GP.

The best way to quickly get access to this medication is by arranging a tele-health appointment with your GP and discussing this with them. Prior to becoming unwell, the Barwon South West Public Health Unit also recommends discussing your COVID treatment plan with your GP, should you be diagnosed with COVID.

If you are unable to contact your GP, you can contact a Respiratory Clinic for a telehealth appointment on (03) 9975 8401.

For any other concerns phone 1300 942 241.

Testing

Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are the easiest way to test for COVID-19.

It is recommended you should take a RAT

• If you have COVID-19 symptoms, even if mild
• If you have been in contact with some who has COVID-19
• Before visiting a high risk setting
• Before visiting people who are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness

We recommend gathering a supply for RATs to keep at home to ensure you do not risk others when sourcing a test whilst feeling unwell.

Where to access a RAT:

• Local supermarkets and pharmacies
• Free RATs are also available at local councils. Click here for details.
• Barwon Health Community Centres in Belmont, Torquay, Corio, Newcomb and Anglesea.

PCR testing

If you are at high risk of severe illness and have COVID-19 symptoms and test negative on a RAT you may require a PCR. You should speak to your GP.

If you test positive, you may be eligible for antiviral medication which can reduce the severity of illness. Click here for details.

PCR tests are available from a number of pathology providers across the region. For more information contact the providers below or speak to your GP.

Masks

If you require masks and are unable to access a supply, free masks are available at Barwon Health Community Centres in Belmont, Torquay, Corio and Newcomb. Click here for location details. Masks are also available from the Surf Coast Shire Council collection sites. Click here for locations.

We recommend gathering a supply for masks to keep at home to ensure you do not risk others when sourcing a mask whilst feeling unwell.

Vaccinations

Food and support

Translated resources

Last Modified: Thursday, 23 March 2023