Stay safe: what you should do if you’ve been exposed or test positive to COVID-19
The state-wide shortage of rapid antigen tests (RATs) is putting a strain on our already busy pharmacies, PCR testing centres and wider health care system.
Last week, the Victorian Government took delivery of the first three million of 44 million RATs ordered for the state. This first delivery will be available to workers in critical industries including the healthcare, aged care, and disability sectors. With further deliveries to come, we should start to see an increase in the availability of RATs in the general community.
Please note Deakin University is not supplying RATs for students and staff, and Deakin Medical Centre is not a testing facility and does not offer PCR or RATs.
What to do if you have been exposed to, or feel you may have COVID-19
The current advice from the Victorian Government is that if you have symptoms, you should modify your behaviour and isolate as if you have tested positive for COVID-19 and seek confirmatory testing.
- If you can’t access a RAT, you should get a PCR test from a testing centre. There are both walk-through and drive-through testing sites available. Some PCR testing centres are providing RATs to attendees.
- You should take care travelling to and from testing centres and should not use public transport if you have symptoms. Vulnerable Victorians can get tested at home to help slow the spread of COVID-19 – check your eligibility for the call-to-test service.
More information can be found on the Getting tested webpage.
What to do if you test positive to COVID-19
If you test positive to COVID-19, you are required to follow the Victorian Government’s Checklist for COVID cases. Remember: if you test positive using a RAT, you must report your result online or call the Victorian Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.
You should also take a look at the government’s advice for managing COVID-19 at home, including symptoms to watch out for and when to get help.
- Mild symptoms – rest and recover at home.
- Worsening symptoms – talk to a General Practitioner or doctor.
- Severe symptoms – seek immediate help.
Read the symptoms in each section carefully. COVID-19 can be a serious illness. Call a doctor if your COVID-19 symptoms worsen or go to hospital if it’s an emergency.
Additional support is available
There are a couple of additional options to support your health and wellbeing during this time.
- If you have symptoms and you would like a medical consultation, you can book a telehealth appointment with a Deakin Medical Centre. Please note Deakin Medical Centre cannot administer PCR or RATs.
- If you have concerns about your health outside business hours you can contact Nurse on Call, or the National Home Doctor service for international students. These services will be able to provide you with immediate advice.