COVID-19 Coronavirus
We DON'T have COVID vaccines at present due to lack of demand. This may change in future as policies change.
Our advice and protocols are based on best medical evidence ATAGI guidelines. Risks associated with COVID-19 disease far exceed risks from vaccination. We recommend vaccination with the appropriate vaccine for all eligible people. More details from Department of Health.
If you suspect you may have the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), please call the dedicated hotline on 1800 675 398, or us.
Keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.
Please follow the Government directives.
In accordance with Australian Public Health advice, Colchester & Knoxfield Medical Centres ask that any individuals who begin experiencing respiratory symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) and have recently travelled or had contact with someone diagnosed with the novel coronavirus within the last 14 days should attend the local fever / COVID clinic to keep us and other patients safe.
If you need a test, we will provide pathology referral form. Call us for a telehealth consultation to decide if this is appropriate. Details of laboratories are further on this page, including pre-travel testing.
If in any doubt, please call the medical centre before arrival so that the appropriate infection control measures can be put in place if needed or a phone or video consultation arranged.
Managing COVID-19 at home with assistance from your general practice
If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, you must follow the instructions given to you by your local public health unit, health department, hospital or general practitioner (GP).
Most people with COVID-19 will recover without needing to go to hospital or any special treatment.
If you have no symptoms, or your symptoms are mild to moderate, it is usually safe for you to isolate and manage your symptoms at home. If you have risk factors for more severe disease you may be linked in with a hospital service or directly with your GP, nurse, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner and the local public health unit.
Remember: It is normal for COVID-19 symptoms to change over time. Some people will have no symptoms and some people’s symptoms might become worse over a couple of weeks. This guide is designed to help you understand what to expect when you are diagnosed with COVID-19, and what to look out for so that you know if your COVID-19 is getting worse.
You will need to continue to monitor your own health as well throughout this time. To help you to monitor your health at home, you may think about buying a thermometer and a pulse oximeter to help you do this.
Do not wait for your health provider to contact you if you have symptoms that are causing you concern.
Antivirals are now available. Please book a telehealth appointment if you wish to have a chat with a GP.
And for the latest information, see the latest Australian government advice.
Visit the Victorian Coronavirus page.
If you suspect you could have Coronavirus, call the dedicated hotline on 1800 675 398.
For information, call the Public Health Information Line on 1800 004 599.
Alternatively, you can contact your state or territory public health agency:
- ACT call 02 5124 9213 during business hours or (02) 9962 4155 after hours
- NSW call 1300 066 055
- NT call 08 8922 8044
- Qld call 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
- SA call 1300 232 272
- Tas call 1800 671 738
- Vic call 1300 651 160
- WA visit https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/ or call your local public health unit