Australia is firmly in its third wave of COVID-19, largely driven by the highly infectious BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron sub-variants.
As a result, thousands of RATs are being taken daily across the country, but what should you do if the result is positive? Here's a refresher.
Do I need to tell anyone I tested positive?
If your RAT confirms you have COVID-19, you are required by law to notify your state or territory's health authority.
This is for a couple of reasons: so they can keep track of how many cases of COVID-19 there are in the community, and so you can be supported and receive care throughout your isolation period.
Registering your positive RAT result can also give you access to applying for financial support to isolate, if you are eligible.
How do I report my result?
There are two ways to report your positive RAT result to your relevant health authority: either over the phone, or online.
Here's a state-by-state breakdown of where to go:
Location |
Phone number |
Website |
|---|---|---|
ACT |
02 5124 6500 (between |
|
New South Wales |
13 77 88 |
|
Northern Territory |
1800 490 484 |
|
Queensland |
134 268 |
|
South Australia |
1800 253 78 |
|
Tasmania |
1800 671 738 (between 8am and 6pm) |
|
Victoria |
1800 675 398 |
|
Western Australia |
13 268 43 |
What happens after I register?
Each state and territory has its own form to register your positive result, but they will generally ask for the date you tested positive, basic contact information and the address where you will be isolating.
That data is then used by the health authority to provide you with health information and other resources you can access during your time in isolation.
States and territories have their own variation of "COVID at home" care programs, which enrol COVID-positive people based on several risk factors, such as age, symptoms and medical history.
That information is then used by the health authority to carry out ongoing checks on your health and welfare during isolation while you recover at home.
Registering your result will also allow the health authority to let you know when your isolation period comes to an end.
Do I still need to isolate even with so many new cases?
As per the Australian public health requirement, you still need to isolate for seven days.
Isolating is important to protect those around you who may not have COVID-19, and also prevents it from being passed on to others in the community — especially those who are vulnerable and could become very unwell if they are exposed to it.
It means you can't physically attend work or school, but you can do so remotely if you are feeling well.
Staying in isolation also gives you a chance to focus on recovering.
That said, you are permitted to leave isolation in an emergency, or to seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen — including going to hospital — provided you let them know you have COVID-19.
However, if you're thinking of leaving isolation for a couple of hours without a valid reason or exemption, you also run the risk of criminal charges or a fine if you are caught.
