COVID-19

COVID-19 guidance and support for people in NSW.

Some people face severe illness if they catch COVID-19. If you have symptoms or have been exposed, stay away from people at higher risk.

A granddaughter visits her grandmother

COVID-19 PCR testing in NSW

COVID-19 PCR testing in NSW has changed from 13 May. For most people, if you have COVID-19 symptoms, please do a rapid antigen test (RAT). RATs are available for free at Service NSW service centres, mobile service centres and recovery centres. Find a RAT near you.

 If you are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, contact your doctor for testing advice.

If you can't contact your doctor, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or use the online Service Finder to find a GP near you.

If your doctor recommends a COVID-19 PCR test, they will give you a pathology referral form for a free COVID-19 PCR test.

The referral form will have a private pathology provider location to visit so you can get tested.

Steps to reduce your COVID risk

To protect yourself and your loved ones:

  1. Stay up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccinations.
  2. Stay home if you have cold or flu symptoms and get tested.
  3. Wear a mask in crowded, indoor places.
  4. Talk with your doctor now if you are at higher risk of severe illness. You may be eligible for antiviral medicines.
  5. Don't visit people who are at higher risk if you have symptoms or COVID-19.

Find out more on protecting yourself from COVID-19 if you are at higher risk of severe illness.

COVID-19 information

Face mask wearing

Staying COVID safe

By protecting yourself, you’ll help keep your family, friends and community safe too.

image of someone holding a positive rapid antigen test

Register a positive RAT result

If you test positive to COVID-19 on a rapid antigen test, register your result with Service NSW.

Mum with toddler checking thermometer

Testing and managing COVID-19

What to do if you think you may have COVID-19, including how to get tested and guidance on what to do if you test positive.

Holding hands with person unwell in hospital

People at higher risk of severe COVID-19

There are some groups of people who are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Find information on treatments, testing methods and vaccines available to protect you.

Man in blue hospital scrubs getting needle in arm

Vaccination

Staying up to date with your recommended vaccinations and boosters is a simple step you can take to help protect yourself, your family and everyone you love.

Family at the airport

International arrivals

If you are arriving in NSW from overseas, the following advice can help protect you, your loved ones and everyone around you from COVID-19.

Protect yourself against flu and COVID-19

Staying up to date with your recommended vaccinations is a simple step you can take to help protect yourself and everyone you love. It’s safe and convenient to get your COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time. Visit your local GP, pharmacy, or Aboriginal Medical Service to get vaccinated now.

Eligibility for COVID-19 antivirals

COVID-19 antiviral medicines help reduce the severity of illness for people at higher risk of getting really sick. They work best when taken as soon as possible, usually within 5 days of symptoms starting. Find out if you're eligible and make a plan with your doctor today.

Find more information about antivirals.

PCR tests

If you are at higher risk of severe illness, speak to your doctor to get a PCR test (nose and throat swab) rather than a rapid antigen test. 

Find out more on Which COVID-19 test should I do? 

Get an additional booster

A 2023 booster is available for adults who have not had a COVID-19 infection or a previous dose within the past 6 months.

Find out if you are recommended to have a 2023 COVID-19 booster

Free rapid antigen tests now available

Free COVID-19 rapid antigen tests are now available at Service NSW centres and other participating community centres.

Find where you can collect free RATs.


New COVID-19 cases and tests in the past 7 days

Weekly COVID-19 reporting

Routine COVID-19 reports occur weekly. NSW Health also provides detailed reporting and analysis of the latest COVID-19 data in its weekly respiratory surveillance reports

New cases*
13,480
Positive results from PCR tests
4,649
Positive results from rapid antigen tests (RATs)**
8,831
Deaths reported ***
64

Data for the past 7 days until 4pm, 01 June 2023, last updated 02 June 2023.

*Combined total of PCR positive test results and rapid antigen test (RAT) positive result registrations.

**Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are reported by individuals using the Service NSW website or app.

***As per the national surveillance definition, deaths are reported as COVID-19 deaths if a person died with COVID-19, not necessarily because COVID-19 was the cause of death. Deaths are only excluded if there is a clear alternative cause of death that is unrelated to COVID-19 (e.g. trauma).

COVID-19-related deaths are notified to NSW Health from a range of sources and not all deaths reported by NSW Health occurred in the week in which they are reported, as there is sometimes a delay between a death occurring and it being notified to NSW Health.

COVID-19 hospitalisations

Admitted to hospital
1,458
In intensive care
33

Hospitalisations as of 4pm, 01 June 2023, last updated 02 June 2023.

Contacts and enquiries

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