What to do if you test positive for COVID.

So you’ve managed to get hold of rapid antigen test and you’ve tested positive for COVID.

So what do you do now?

  • IMMEDIATELY ISOLATE.
  • Call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 for information about how to look after yourself when you are sick with COVID-19.
  • DO NOT CALL 000 for an ambulance UNLESS YOU NEED EMERGENCY SERVICES. Resources are being unnecessarily stretched with a reported half of ambulance call-outs being made by COVID-19 patients not requiring emergency services.

Most people with COVID experience no symptoms (asymptomatic) or mild symptoms which can be managed with over-the-counter medication. Rest, drink lots of water and eat well.

However, please call 000 immediately if you develop severe symptoms such as:

  • difficulty breathing
  • oxygen levels less than 92% (when tested with a pulse oximeter)
  • blue lips or face
  • pain or pressure in the chest
  • cold and clammy, or pale and mottled, skin
  • fainting or collapsing
  • being confused
  • becoming difficult to wake up
  • little or no urine output
  • coughing up blood.

For help on a State/territory basis (including information, resources and links for more support for people with COVID-19, including when you can leave isolation), go to:

Information in Auslan around COVID-19 plans, managing symptoms, and getting medical help can be accessed at:

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/videos/top-3-covid-19-vaccine-questions-inclusions-in-a-covid-19-plan-managing-symptoms-and-getting-medical-help

You can also find translated information about testing positive for COVID-19 in over 60 languages by going to https://www.health.gov.au/resources/translated/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-people-who-test-positive-for-covid-19-or-are-close-contacts-other-languages

If you think that you may have COVID symptoms or suspect that you may have been exposed to COVID, please do not enter pharmacies, supermarkets or other retail outlets.

Instead please go to a testing clinic or have a family member/friend get you a test and deliver it safely to you.

With rapid antigen tests stocks becoming more readily available at supermarkets and pharmacies in the coming days and weeks, access to home testing will improve.

In the meantime, take care and stay safe.

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