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.

Mum with toddler checking thermometer

What should I do if I test positive?

NSW Health recommends you:

Expanded eligibility to antiviral treatment

From 1 April 2023, eligibility for COVID-19 antivirals is expanded if you are aged 60 to 69 and have only one risk factor for severe illness, instead of two. Read more

Getting tested and managing your illness

COVID-19 testing clinics

Find a testing clinic near you that provides PCR (nose and throat swab) tests.

Register a positive rapid antigen test (RAT) result

Have you tested positive? NSW Health strongly recommends you register your result with Service NSW so that you can be connected to care and support.

Testing positive to COVID-19 and managing your case safely at home

Most people who test positive for COVID-19 will experience a mild illness. Get advice on how you can safely manage your symptoms at home.

More information on COVID-19 tests

Rapid antigen testing

Most people can now use a rapid antigen test (RAT) result to confirm if they are positive for COVID-19.

Free rapid antigen tests for vulnerable people

Concession, Pensioner, Health Care and Veterans cardholders, people with disability, their carers, and immunocompromised people are eligible for free rapid antigen tests.

What COVID-19 test should I do?

Information on which COVID-19 test best suits your particular circumstances.

How COVID-19 PCR testing works

Find out what happens when you get a PCR test for COVID-19, plus how you get the result of a test.

Managing a case of COVID-19

Information for people exposed to COVID-19

How will I know if I have been exposed to COVID-19?

Antivirals and COVID-19

Antiviral medications work best when taken as soon as possible, usually within 5 days from when your symptoms start. Find out who is eligible, and how to access them.

Long COVID

It can be difficult to tell the difference between long COVID and similar conditions. Learn about the symptoms of long COVID, where to seek support, and how to protect yourself.

Children and COVID-19 guidance for families

Children are less likely to have serious illness from COVID-19, but they can still transmit the virus to others.

Guidance for businesses with a worker who tests positive

What you need to do if a worker who has attended your workplace has tested positive to COVID-19.

Support for workers

Understanding the support available to people who work and test positive to COVID-19.


Last updated:
Top of page