Testing for COVID-19

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

You should get a test:

• if you have COVID-19 symptoms, even if they’re very mild
• if you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19
• before visiting a hospital, aged care facility, or disability care facility
• before visiting elderly people, people with disability or people at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness.

COVID-19 can spread before you have symptoms. You can protect others by checking that you are negative before you leave home.

Symptoms may appear any time between 2-14 days after being exposed to the virus. The symptoms to look for are:

• runny nose
• sore throat
• cough
• shortness of breath
• fever, chills and/or sweats.

Some people may also experience headache, muscle soreness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, loss of smell and taste, loss of appetite.

Where to get rapid antigen tests (RATs)

You can buy RATs at supermarkets, pharmacies, and other retailers. You should plan ahead by keeping some at home for testing if you have COVID-19 symptoms.

After your rapid antigen test (RAT)

Positive result

If your RAT is positive:

• follow the Checklist for COVID-19 cases, including staying home for at least 5 days or until you don’t have symptoms anymore
• check if you are eligible for COVID-19 medicines.

Negative result

If your RAT is negative and you have symptoms:

• stay home until your symptoms go away
• take a RAT each day over the next several days while you have symptoms
• RATs can detect COVID-19 more easily when repeated over successive days but will not detect other respiratory viruses, such as influenza
• if your symptoms worsen, seek medical assistance.

If you need a letter or other document of your result (such as for travel, medical, work, or educational purposes) you should contact a GP.

PCR testing

To get a PCR test:

• Visit your GP. They will decide if you need a PCR test based on your symptoms and medical conditions. They may give you a referral to a pathology collection centre.
• If you have a referral from your GP, go to a pathology collection centre. Your GP should be able to tell you where your closest one is. Don’t forget to take the referral from your GP with you.

You may need to pay for your PCR test.

If you are eligible for COVID-19 medicine and you have symptoms, see a GP about a PCR test, even if your RAT result is negative. This is so you can get any help you need as quickly as possible. You should start taking COVID-19 antiviral medicine within 5 days of your symptoms starting.

After your PCR test

Go straight home and wait for your results. Your doctor or the clinic where you were tested will contact you by phone or SMS to tell you your results, regardless of if it is positive or negative.

You should get your test results within 2 days of being tested, but it sometimes takes longer. Contact your testing provider if you have not received your test results after 3 days.

If your PCR test is positive:

• follow the Checklist for COVID-19 cases, including staying home for at least 5 days or until you don’t have symptoms anymore
• check if you are eligible for COVID-19 medicines.

If your PCR test is negative:

• you should stay home until your symptoms go away to avoid spreading your illness.

Where to get help

• Visit your GP (doctor)
• Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only