COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I feel unwell, and think I may have COVID-19? keyboard_arrow_downAnyone who has even the mildest of cold or flu symptoms must get tested. It might be COVID.
The steps you need to take are:
- Go home immediately and book a test
- Do not have any visitors to your home
- Stay at home until it is time for your test
- Go directly to the test, and then return home again.
- Stay at home until you have received a negative test result
AND stay at home until you have no symptoms, even if your test is negative
Sometimes test results can take a few days.
Be patient. Be thoughtful. Stay home.
Self-isolating is important to help stop the spread and save lives.
Asymptomatic means you DO NOT have symptoms.
The Emergency Department is still for emergencies.
If you have a concern that is not an emergency, you should make an appointment to see your GP or consider phoning Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024.
Anyone who is displaying even the mildest cold or flu symptoms must make an appointment for COVID testing Click for further information on testing
Do not go to an Emergency Department for testing
If you become unwell during self-isolation at home call 000.
Anyone who is displaying even the mildest of COVID-19 symptoms must make an appointment for testing.
If you have any symptoms you must self-isolate at home until you have had your test, and remain self-isolated at home until you have received your test results.
Sometimes test results can take a few days, but self-isolating is important to help stop the spread and save lives.
Everyone should be staying at least 1.5 meters from each other. This is social distancing.
However, doctors and nurses may be closer to you, and to each other, when treating you.
We have strict screening and hygiene protocols in place for staff.
Triaging is the term used to decide the urgency of your illness, and then prioritizing your need for treatment, in comparison to other patient needs. It is a critical aspect of responding to patient care.
Triage Nurses are skilled at assessing and prioritising people as they come into the Emergency Department.
If someone comes into Emergency after you with a more urgent illness, they may be seen before you as per the triaging process.
If you have any cold or flu symptoms you must stay at home. Find out more here.
For the latest information on social restrictions go to:
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory infections.
These can range from the common cold to more serious diseases.
COVID-19 is the disease caused by a new coronavirus. It was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan City in China.
Other coronaviruses include Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
On 9 April 2020 Victorian Chief Health Officer, Brett Sutton directed that residential aged care providers and their staff and visitors, including health practitioners must have an up-to-date influenza vaccination in order to gain entry to our ten Aged Care facilities.
We are communicating directly with all families to ensure they understand what is required, and we have also added further information on our website.
Click here for the latest COVID-19 information relating to aged care.
Have something to tell us? We welcome all feedback from patients, family members or carers. Tell us more.