A cough or a Covid cough? Only a test can tell
A state government campaign is encouraging people to get tested as soon as any cold symptoms appear.
The state government has launched a new campaign encouraging people to get tested as soon as any cold symptoms appear.
It encourages Victorians to always see their cold symptoms as possible coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms and hopefully drive up testing numbers across the state.
The government says data shows that even 18 months into the pandemic, many people still assume that their cold and flu symptoms are not related to COVID-19 and less than half the number of people who experience cold and flu symptoms get tested.
The campaign hopes to build community awareness of when to get tested and decrease the time people might spend being infectious out in the community.
The campaign has been prompted by the number of mystery cases in the current outbreak.
“We’re imploring every single Victorian to come forward and get tested if they have the slightest of symptoms – whether it’s a headache or a slight sniffle – you may not think it’s coronavirus, but only a test can tell,” Health Minister Martin Foley said.
The Minister said coming forward to get tested is one of the most important things Victorians can do to help stop the virus spreading.
The government said the state’s testing facilities have the capacity to deal with bigger numbers than the 30,000 daily tests currently being processed.
However the Minister said getting tested was the short-term way out of the outbreak and the government remained focused on increasing vaccination rates.
“Getting vaccinated is our long-term way out of this pandemic. There are a million things that we miss while we’re in lockdown – and each of those is a reason to get vaccinated,” he said, stating the government is aiming to administer one million doses in the next five weeks.
He said there are more than 200,000 COVID-19 vaccine appointments available now and more are always coming online.
Anyone with questions or concerns is encouraged to speak to a GP, pharmacist or a senior immuniser at one of the state-run vaccination sites.
Vaccination appointment can be made at portal.cvms.vic.gov.au or by phoning the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.
Testing sites are currently operating in Cowes and Wonthaggi.
The Cowes drive through clinic at the Transit Centre and the Wonthaggi Hospital drive through clinic both currently operate 9am – 3pm, seven days a week.
