COVID Positive Pathways Program
Since its establishment in late 2020, the COVID Positive Pathways program has continually adapted to respond to changes in the pandemic cycle. The latest transition in the model continues to adapt to developments in community need and across the health sector.
The latest transition will see the program continue to promote support options for people to access care as outlined below. As part of the transition, the central enrolment process via upload of rapid antigen tests (RATs) has been phased out from 19 June 2023. If you submitted your positive rapid antigen test before 19 June and met eligibility criteria, you will continue to receive care from the COVID Positive Pathways program.
Where to get care and support if you have COVID-19
Your GP
Call your usual general practitioner (GP) to ask if they can see you in person or via a telehealth .
Accessing antiviral medication
The following groups are urged to check their availability for COVID medicines and contact their or a free GP Respiratory Clinic, even if their symptoms are mild:
- people aged over 70
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged over 30
- people living with health risk factors, chronic conditions and immunosuppression (weakened immune system).
If you can’t get an appointment, or there is not a respiratory clinic in your area, you can contact the Victorian Virtual Emergency .
For more information, see Antivirals and other medicines.
The National Coronavirus Helpline
The helpline provides information and support for Victorians testing positive for COVID-19. Call from 1800 020 080 anywhere in Victoria, 24 hours a day.
GP Respiratory Clinics
Clinics offer assessment, testing and treatment for people with respiratory conditions (including COVID-19).
They can also help with antiviral medication access for eligible people who cannot get an appointment with their usual GP.
GP Respiratory Clinics are free for everyone, with or without a Medicare card.
To check if there is a clinic in your area, or to make an appointment, see GP Respiratory Clinics.
Nurse-on-call
Direct contact with a registered nurse for free, caring, professional health advice.
Call 1300 60 60 24 from anywhere in Victoria, 24 hours a day.
Victorian Virtual Emergency Department
A public health service for non-life-threatening emergencies.
Access emergency care from anywhere in Victoria, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The service can also prescribe antiviral medication for eligible people who cannot get an appointment with a GP.
For more information, see Victorian Virtual Emergency .
Priority Primary Care Centres
Priority Primary Care Centres (PPCCs) provide GP-led care to people who need urgent care, but not an emergency response. PPCCs see people with urgent conditions such as fractures, burns and mild infections. Each PPCC is partnered with a busy emergency department.
The centres are open after hours (up to 16 hours a day, 7 days a week), and have diagnostics on site or nearby.
To find one near you, see Priority Primary Care on Better Heath Channel.
Other information for people with COVID-19 and their carers
Reviewed 27 July 2023