Support for people with COVID
Barwon Health is reshaping our support service for people in the community with COVID-19.
We now have high levels of vaccination in our community and lower rates of COVID, so we are changing the way we provide support to people who test positive for COVID.
In the past many people would have received a proactive text or phone call to assess the need for further support however our experience now is that many people are to self-manage.
Our team will now focus on the most vulnerable people in our community, ensuring they are cared for and monitored when they test positive for COVID-19.
From 1 October, the Public Health team will focus its outreach on supporting people who are most vulnerable to COVID-19, including people who are:
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- Aged over 80 years
- Living with a disability or are a carer of a person living with a disability
- Living in rural isolated communities
- Of refugee or asylum seeker status
- Needing assistance to quarantine safely at home
People who require support will be identified via their PCR test information or information provided when registering a rapid antigen test (RAT).
This means that some people within the community may not be contacted by a public health staff member or doctor after testing positive to COVID-19.
However, it is important to remember that the team is still here to support the community and can be contacted if feeling unwell or for those needing medical assistance.
If you or a loved one begins to experience shortness of breath, dizziness, or concerned about your wellbeing, please contact your GP. If it is an emergency dial 000.
If you are unable to contact your GP, they can contact the local respiratory clinic on (03) 9975 8401 or Barwon Health's COVID hotline on 1300 942 241.