COVID-19 symptoms? Get tested close to home

Anyone with even mild symptoms of COVID-19 needs to get tested at their nearest location to reduce potential spread from one area to the next.

“Under Stage Three restrictions it is important for people to reduce their travel and only go out for essentials in their local area. That includes coronavirus testing,” Corangamite Shire Mayor Neil Trotter said.

“If you are feeling unwell, don’t go out anywhere. Call your local general practitioner and they will tell you how to visit them for a test or will refer you to a pathology provider.

“The test takes around a minute and involves taking a sample swab from the back of your throat and nose.

“After you’ve been tested you need to go straight home and wait for your results. Don’t take any detours on the way home and don’t go to work or go shopping. Stay at home.”

State Government directions for isolating at home state:

stay in a different room to other people as much as possible; sleep in a separate bedroom and use a separate bathroom if available; stay at least 1.5 metres from others in the home; everyone in the household should continue practising good hygiene through washing hands regularly and coughing or sneezing into their elbow or tissue; and do not share food, drink or household items like plates or glasses.

Cr Trotter said people usually got their results by phone or SMS in one - three days.

“If you have been waiting for more than five days, call the location where you were tested. If you test negative, you can go back to normal activity, subject to the restrictions in place.

“If you test positive you will need to self-isolate, do as health officials direct and be retested once symptoms have passed. You must have a negative test before returning to work or returning to the state-wide restrictions. ”

Diagnosing coronavirus early and self-isolating helps slow the spread of the disease and keeps our families and communities safe.

“Getting tested means that you can take the appropriate action to protect yourself, your loved ones and the wider community,” Cr Trotter said.

Victorians workers can apply for a $300 Test Isolation Payment while they wait for results and a $1500 Worker Support Payment while they quarantine at home as instructed by the Department of Health and Human Services.

For information about coronavirus, testing or payments click here or call the 24-hour coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.

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