General Practitioners (GPs) are usually the first contact point if you are concerned about COVID-19. You may also call the Department of Health and Human Services hotline available 24/7 on 1800 675 398.
In a medical emergency, go to the emergency department or call 000. Please let the emergency services know in advance that you are concerned about COVID-19.
A number of screening services are available in the Geelong region for people with symptoms of COVID-19:
- Norlane: Barwon Health North
- Belmont: Kardinia Health
- Newcomb: 4Cyte Pathology
- Newtown: Australian Clinical Labs
- Ocean Grove: Bellarine Respiratory Clinic (at Epichealth)
- Torquay: Torquay Community Health Centre
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, chills or sweats, runny nose or loss or change of smell. In certain circumstances headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may also be considered.
Appointments are required at most centres. You can book an appointment at a screening service by contacting them on the details below.
If you are tested at a Barwon Health clinic, you will receive a call or text message in the next 24 to 48 hours to let you know the result. During times of peak demand, results may take a little longer.
Download:
- Testing information sheet for people who have been tested for COVID-19.
- Information for households or carers of someone tested for COVID-19.
- COVID-19 Elective Surgery Information Sheet.
Screening Services
Barwon Health North
Appointments preferred
- If you meet criteria for testing you will be contacted by a Barwon Health staff member to arrange an appointment for testing.
- If you do not meet the current testing criteria, you will not be contacted.
Drive through hours of operation: :
Drive through testing available for people over the age of 5 years 7 days a week.
- 7 days a week, 10.00am - 3.30pm
Clinic hours of operation:
- 7 days a week, 8.30am - 4.00pm
*Testing available for people between the age of 3 months and 5 years Friday to Monday 8.30am - 4pm, Tuesday to Thursday 2pm - 4pm.
Address: 155 Princes Hwy, Norlane
Phone: 4215 7815 from 8am daily
Bellarine Respiratory Clinic at Epichealth
Appointments only
Testing available for people over the age of 6 months.
- Phone: 9044 0200
- Address: 27 Guthridge St, Ocean Grove
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 12.30pm (closed public holidays)
Address: 27 Guthridge St, Ocean Grove
Phone: 9044 0200
HotDoc booking: click here
Kardinia Health
Appointments only
*Asymptomatic testing will be available throughout January*
Clinic Testing Hours: Mon to Fri, 9.00am to 11.00am
COVID-19 Triage Office: 8.00am to 12.00pm
Phone 5202 9344
Respiratory Clinic Office: Mon to Fri, 1.00pm - 4.00pm
Phone: 5202 9328
Address: 2 - 18 Colac Road, Belmont
Torquay Community Health Centre
Appointments only
Hours of operation:
- 7 days a week, 9.00am - 5.00pm
Address: 100 Surf Coast Hwy, Torquay
Phone: 4215 7815. Phones open from 8.00am to 5.00pm.
Australian Clinical Labs - Newtown Drive Through Service
Obtain a pathology request form to use this service
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm
4Cyte Pathology - Newcomb Drive Through Service
Collections available for all patients of all ages, including infants.
No prior appointment needed.
Symptomatic patients: No pathology form required.
Asymptomatic patients: Pathology request required.
The pathology form for asymptomatic patients must contain:a. Your full name, DOB, telephone number and Medicare/insurance details so we can bulk bill you; and
b. The requested pathology tests (ie. viral respiratory + COVID 19).
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 5.00pm
- Weekends, 10.00am to 5.00pm
The most common coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms reported are:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- Chills or sweats
- Runny nose or loss or change of smell
In certain circumstances headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may also be considered.
Many people who contract coronavirus (COVID–19) will suffer only mild symptoms. Elderly people and those with pre-existing medical conditions may experience more severe symptoms
Who is most at risk of coronavirus?
There are three groups in the community who are most at risk of coronavirus (COVID-19).
- Overseas travellers and close contacts
If you have recently travelled overseas or have had close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) you are at the highest risk of infection.
- Elderly or have pre-existing medical conditions
Many people will suffer only mild symptoms; however, early indications are that the elderly are more at risk of experiencing severe symptoms.
People with underlying illnesses that make them more vulnerable to respiratory disease, including those with diabetes, chronic lung disease, kidney failure and people with suppressed immune systems are also at a higher risk of serious disease.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are a high risk group for coronavirus (COVID-19) due to higher rates of pre-existing medical conditions.
Testing is now available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who show symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) such as respiratory symptoms or fever.
The Department of Health and Human Services recognises that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians prefer to be treated at Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
While we recognise that some ACCOs will currently not be able to perform coronavirus (COVID-19) testing, the department is working closely to support ACCOs to fill this important role within the community.
Anyone who thinks they may have coronavirus (COVID-19) can call the hotline 1800 675 398.
I am feeling unwell, what should I do?
If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call 000 and ask for an ambulance and tell them if you also have a fever or a cough, sore throat or respiratory illness.
If you begin to feel unwell, and have a fever or a cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or respiratory illness you should get tested for coronavirus (COVID-19).
Contact the 24-hour hotline 1800 675 398 or call your doctor and mention your symptoms and risk factors. They will determine if you need to be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19).
I have been tested for COVID-19, what happens next?
It is important that you remain at home in isolation until we notify you of your test result. You will receive a call or text message within three to five days to let you know your result. Sometimes it may take longer.
COVID-19 worker support payment
If you have been instructed by the Department of Health and Human Services to self-isolate or quarantine at home because you are either diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19) or are a close contact of a confirmed case, you may qualify for the $1500 COVID-19 worker support payment.
The requirement to self-isolate or quarantine at home can cause a financial burden for some people who are not earning money during this time.
Financial support during this time can help, making it easier for you to do the right thing and stay at home when diagnosed.
Click here to find out if you are eligible.
Where can I find out more information?
Call the coronavirus (COVID-19) hotline on 1800 675 398 to discuss any questions you have. If you need a translator first call 131 450, then request the hotline on 1800 675 398.
For Victorian updates about COVID-19, go to: www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
For national updates: www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
Find out more:
Last Modified: Friday, 15 January 2021
Questions or concerns about COVID-19?
DHHS Victorian Coronavirus hotline
- Ph 1800 675 398
Translated Resources
COVID-19 translated information for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, health professionals and industry.
DHHS Coronavirus translated resources