COVID-19

What do if you have COVID-19

For a step by step guide of what to do if you have COVID-19 click here.

Antivirals

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 for information on antiviral medicines and how to access them.

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.

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.

• Australian Clinical Labs
• Epichealth 
• Kardinia Health 
• 4Cyte 

Vaccinations

For all information on COVID-19 vaccinations and where to book click here. 

Are you a close contact?

Advice on what to do if you come in contact with someone who has COVID-19. Click here for information.

Translated resources

For translated information and videos click here for local information, and click here for COVID-19 information from the Department of Health.