Getting tested

Step-by-step advice

• If you are feeling unwell do not go to work. 
• Check your symptoms - you may have COVID-19 if you have any of the following: fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose and loss or change in sense of smell or taste.
• Get tested at a nearby testing location if you have any of the symptoms. Return home immediately.
• Wait for your test results. Do not go to work or go out shopping, stay at home. It usually takes 2 days for your results to be returned to you. If you are worried your results are taking too long you can call a service provider for more information. Others in your house do not need to self-isolate unless they are also waiting for a COVID-19 test result or have been told to quarantine.
• If you are worried you will lose pay while you wait for your results you may be eligible for a $450 COVID-19 Test Isolation Payment.
• If your symptoms continue or your condition worsens contact your doctor or a health professional. If you become very unwell and are having trouble breathing contact triple zero (000), you may need to be admitted to hospital.
• If you test positive we will contact you. You will need to self-isolate until the Department of Health tells you it is safe to stop - usually 10 to 14 days. Do not go to work or out shopping. If you are worried you will lose pay you may be eligible for a $1500 COVID-19 Worker Support Payment.
• If you test negative, your doctor or the clinic where you were tested will tell you your result.
  • If an authorised officer has told you to quarantine (e.g. as a close contact, as part of an outbreak, or because you have visited an interstate high risk location), you will still need to quarantine until you receive a negative result from a test taken no sooner than day 13 of your quarantine period. Your negative test result is proof that you have completed your home quarantine period.
  • If you have not been told to quarantine by an authorised officer, once you feel well, go about your normal activity, following the restrictions for your area.
  • If you continue to have symptoms you should ring your general practitioner for advice. If you become very unwell and are having trouble breathing contact triple zero (000).