Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398
Call this line if you are seeking information on COVID-19. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Important message from the Victorian government to have a COVID-safe summer
- As restrictions ease, it’s important that we act to keep ourselves and others safe. These actions below can help protect you from coronavirus (COVID-19).
- Stay safe by washing your hands regularly, having a face mask with you and wearing it when required, coughing and sneezing into your elbow, and keeping at least 1.5 metres from others.
- Keep your friends and family safe by meeting outdoors. There is a lower risk of spreading coronavirus (COVID-19) between people if you are outdoors.
- Face masks must be worn on public transport, when in taxis or rideshare vehicles, or when going to shopping centres, indoor markets and some large retail stores such as supermarkets and department stores, unless you have a lawful reason not to. You must carry a face mask with you when you leave home. It is strongly recommended that you wear a face mask when you can’t maintain 1.5 metres distance from other people in all other situations.
- Venues and facilities have specific requirements such as operating with a COVIDSafe Plan, density limits (maximum numbers of people allowed in a space), cleaning and record keeping – please respect these.
- If you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) get tested and stay home. Stay at home if you feel unwell.
From the Department of Health and Human Services
- If you have any of the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), however mild, you should seek advice and get tested.People with no symptoms can also be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) in very specific circumstances:
- if they are a close contact exposed to someone known to have coronavirus (COVID-19)
- as part of an outbreak investigation and response by the Department of Health and Human Services
- if they are a returned international traveller
- if they are due to have surgery or a planned hospital stay
- if they are part of a targeted testing program across an industry or group.
If you have any of the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), however mild, you should seek advice and get tested.
What are the symptoms?
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.
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.
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.
Support
For trusted and up to date facts, including containment measures, funding packages, virus information, treatment and testing
Australian Government Department of Health www.health.gov.au
Vic Department of Health & Human Services www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
State Government Premier’s Office www.premier.vic.gov.au
Emotional support
Lifeline (24/7) 13 11 14
Lifeline provides all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to online, phone and face-to-face crisis support and suicide prevention services. Find out how these services can help you, a friend or loved one.
Beyond Blue (24/7) 1300 22 4636
We all have good days and bad days. Then there are those days when something isn't quite right, you've got something on your mind, or things just seem too much. Whatever it may be, sharing the load with someone else can really help. So no matter who you are, or how you're feeling, you can talk it through with us – we'll point you in the right direction so you can seek further support.
Friendline 1800 424 287
FriendLine is for anyone who needs to reconnect or just wants a chat.
Kids Helpline (24/7) 1800 551 800
Anytime, Any reason. Kids up to 25.
Suicide Call Back Line (24/7 1800 659 467)
Family Violence Help Line (24/7) 1800 737 732
Mensline 1300 789 978
Gippsland New Access Mental Health Coaching Program
Free, confidential, local. Hosted by Beyond Blue and Wellways)
Phone 5622 4140 or email newaccessgippsland@
Calm Kid Central
Children's mental health support free to Gippsland families www.calmkidcentral.