Speak to your doctor now before you get COVID-19 to learn about what you should do if you get sick.
From 13 May, COVID-19 PCR testing in NSW is changing.
If you are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, contact your doctor for testing advice. If you can't contact your doctor, call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or use the online Service Finder to find a GP near you.
If your doctor recommends a COVID-19 PCR test, they will give you a pathology referral form for a free COVID-19 PCR test. The referral form will have a private pathology provider location to visit so you can get tested.
See What COVID-19 test should I do? for testing information and more advice on the testing change
People at higher risk of severe illness include:
If you live in a remote area and have reduced access to healthcare or are a resident in an aged care or disability care facility, discuss your risk with your GP as you may be eligible for COVID-19 antiviral treatment or additional supportive care.
Speak to your doctor now before you get COVID-19 to learn about what you should do if you get sick. Things you should discuss with your doctor include:
Ways to help reduce your risk of COVID-19:
If you have any cold and flu symptoms (such as runny nose, sore throat, fever, cough) it is important to get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible so you can access early treatment including antiviral medicines. Stay at home until your acute symptoms have gone no matter the outcome of the test.
If you have any new cold and flu symptoms within 4 weeks of recovering from COVID-19, speak to your doctor as they may recommend further testing.
There are 2 types of tests you can take to check if you have COVID-19:
Before you have symptoms: Speak to your doctor about which test is right for you before you get sick. Ask if your doctor is able to perform a PCR test or if you need to be given a pathology referral form that you take to a private pathology provider location to get tested there. Ask your doctor if they recommend antiviral medicines or other treatments for COVID-19 if you test positive.
Already have symptoms or live with someone who has COVID-19: Do a RAT as soon as possible and contact your doctor for testing advice. Your doctor may also recommend a COVID-19 PCR test. Early diagnosis means you can access antiviral medicines quickly. COVID-19 antivirals work best if taken as soon as possible, and within 5 days from when your symptoms start. Read more on antiviral medicines including how to access them if you are eligible.
If your RAT is positive, register the result with Service NSW online or by calling 13 77 88. If you have symptoms but have tested negative on a RAT, ask your doctor if you should have a PCR test. This will give a more accurate result.
For further information, see the What COVID-19 test should I do? fact sheet.
For further information about COVID-19, visit NSW Government - COVID-19.
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