If you have coronavirus symptoms you should get tested.
And if you live in a COVID-19 hotspot, you are encouraged to get tested even if you don’t have any symptoms.
Pakenham and Hallam are among a number of Melbourne suburbs that have been classified as hotspots. In response, the number of testing facilities have been boosted in the southeast.
Pakenham remains a focus of community testing, despite only having one active case as of Monday. Meanwhile, there are 16 active cases in Casey.
The COVID-19 test takes about one minute. It involves taking a swab from the back of your throat and nose.
Saliva testing is also now available as an alternative test. This test is an easier and more comfortable method for testing people, including small children.
Testing is available at purpose-built drive-through facilities and at hospital testing clinics. However, children under the age of five cannot get tested at drive-through locations due to constraints of testing through a car window.
Testing is free and available with the following symptoms: Fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, and loss of sense of smell or taste.
It’s also free if you live in a hotspot.
When you go to a COVID-19 testing site, you need to take at least one form of ID.
After having the test, you are required to return home and self-isolate until you receive your test result.
