If you have any coronavirus symptoms, no matter how mild, you must get tested.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)?

The symptoms to watch out for are:

• Fever
• Chills or sweats
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Runny nose
• Loss or change in sense of smell or taste.

In certain circumstances headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also be considered.
To get further advice, call the 24-hour coronavirus hotline 1800 675 398, your local doctor, or use our online self-assessment tool.

What if I feel tired or fatigued?

Feeling tired or fatigued is common during many illnesses, including coronavirus (COVID-19). If you are feeling tired and have any of the symptoms above, you should get further advice about testing for coronavirus (COVID-19).

Why should I get tested?

Diagnosing coronavirus (COVID-19) early, even when symptoms are mild, helps us to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Testing helps us track the spread of the virus and keep our families and communities safe.
Getting tested means that you can take informed action to protect yourself and your loved ones. You will be doing your part to protect all Victorians.

Before the test:

I have symptoms. When should I get tested?

As soon as you have any of the symptoms, however mild, get tested as soon as you can, preferably that same day.
You must not leave your home for any reason other than getting a test, except in an emergency.

How do I go out to get tested?

If possible, you should attend the testing clinic closest to your home and avoid using public transport, taxis or rideshare services.

After your test, you must immediately return home and stay at home until you receive your test result. This is referred to ‘isolating’ or ‘self-isolating’. You must do this because there is a risk that you could have coronavirus (COVID-19) and infect other people. You must remain in self-isolation at home until you receive a negative test result. You can find more information under ‘After the test’.

For more information, read the factsheet for suspected cases of coronavirus (COVID-19). To get further advice, call the 24-hour coronavirus hotline 1800 675 398 or call your general practitioner.

What do I need to bring with me?

You need to bring your Medicare card and the details of your usual General Practitioner (GP) and/or GP practice, if you have one.
If you don’t have a Medicare card then bring one form of identification, like your driver’s licence or student ID.

Is the test free?

Yes, the coronavirus (COVID-19) test is free for everyone. There is no fee for the test when you get tested at a public health facility, mobile testing centre or GP offering bulk billing.

Do visitors from overseas, migrant workers and asylum seekers with symptoms have to pay for testing?

The coronavirus (COVID-19) test is free for everyone. This includes people without a Medicare card, such as visitors from overseas, migrant workers and asylum seekers. Please bring a form of identification and contact details with you to the testing clinic. If you don’t have a Medicare card, please bring one form of identification, for example, your driver’s licence, passport, transport concession card or student ID.
The testing clinic does not need to know your visa status.

For more information, read the Testing for international visitors, migrants and asylum seekers factsheet (Word).

Can I take someone I care for to get tested?

If you usually provide care or assistance to someone who may otherwise have difficulty getting tested, such as an elderly relative, you may take them to a testing centre.

Are you testing for anything other than coronavirus (COVID-19)?

No. The only thing you will be tested for is coronavirus (COVID-19).

Will I have to share details about my visa status?

No. Testers will not ask, and do not need to know, your visa status or the status of those you live with. We are only looking to find out if you might have coronavirus and how we can help keep you and our community safe.

This information is sourced from https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/taking-test-covid-19