If you are feeling unwell or think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, getting tested as soon as possible is the best way to ensure you keep mob and your loved ones safe.

Treat getting tested for COVID-19 the same as getting tested for any other health checks you’ve done. Getting a test puts you in control of the situation and ensures you get the help you need if required.

Follow these simple steps to keep yourself and your family and friends safe

STEPS

1. If you are feeling unwell do not go to work or leave your house.
2. Check your symptoms. If you have any of the following get tested immediately 
   • Fever, chills or sweats
   • Cough or sore throat
   • Shortness of breath
   • Runny nose
   • Loss of sense of smell or taste
3. Get tested at a nearby testing location AND return home immediately. 
4. Stay home. It is important to self-isolate while you wait for your COVID-19 test results. This means you cannot leave the house for any reason including work, shopping or caregiving. It usually takes between 1 and 3 days for your results to be returned to you. If you are worried your results are taking too long, you can call your testing service for more information. 
5. If you test negative you are free to leave your home. If you still feel unwell, wait until you feel better before you leave your home and remember to follow the restrictions for your region. If you’re not getting better, contact your health service. You might need another test or other care.
6. If you test positive you will be contacted by your doctor and the COVID-19 Team and you will need to self-isolate for 14 days. This means you can’t leave your home for 14 days unless you need health care or it’s an emergency. Everyone you live with and people you’ve had close contact with must quarantine for 14 days. If you can’t isolate at home, the COVID-19 Team will provide information on where and how you can isolate. They will also ask you who you’ve come into contact with, so they can contact them to be tested as well. Please note that you will be fined if you leave your home during the mandatory 14 day isolation period. If your condition worsens contact your local GP or local health service. If you become very unwell and are having trouble breathing contact triple zero (000), you may need to be admitted to hospital.
7. You must isolate until someone from the COVID-19 Team clears you. Some people will get another test before they can leave quarantine or isolation. If no one contacts you, call the Team.  

Be prepared

It is important that you are prepared in the event that you need to isolate. This includes the time between getting tested and waiting for your results. Ensure that you:

• Have someone available who might have to drop off groceries or check in on someone you might be caring for. There is information for people caring for people who are isolating here.
• If required, contact your employer to let them know you are getting tested and keep them up to date on the outcome.

Financial support

Financial support is available to people and businesses affected by COVID-19. You might be eligible for the COVID-19 Test Isolation Payment and other relief packages.

Find out what you are eligible for by visiting Coronavirus Victoria’s Financial and other support for COVID-19

For more information

If you have any questions, before, during and after isolation or quarantine, you can contact your local Aboriginal Health Service, GP or the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 (24 hours, 7 days a week). You can find more information on quarantine and isolation here.

If you are starting to feel overwhelmed about getting tested or just need someone to talk to you can yarn with mob at Yarning Safe’n’Strong on 1800 959 563