The NSW Government is making changes to the way it identifies positive COVID-19 cases.
Most people who test positive on a rapid antigen test will not need to confirm their result with a PCR (nose and throat swab) test.
Instead, if you get a positive result using a rapid antigen test you must register it with Service NSW as soon as possible. This will help you:
quickly understand your relative level of risk
access support from NSW Health.
It is easy to register a test result for yourself or someone else. Simply provide contact details and answer a few health questions – it takes a couple of minutes to complete. You can log-in using your MyServiceNSW Account to save time.
If you need help registering a positive result please call Service NSW on 13 77 88.
The information you provide will be stored securely and will not be used for purposes other than health support services.
Register positive RAT test
When to do a PCR or rapid antigen test
The rules about when to get a PCR (nose and throat swab) test have also changed. Most people can now use an at-home rapid antigen test result to confirm they’re positive for COVID-19.
You should do a rapid antigen test if you’re:
feeling sick with COVID symptoms
a contact of a positive case
planning to attend a gathering or visit a vulnerable person
a worker, resident, patient, or client in a high-risk setting where there is a current outbreak
going into hospital for a procedure (if the hospital requires it)
entering NSW from overseas.
You only need to confirm your positive rapid antigen test with a PCR test if you’re:
more than 20 weeks pregnant
an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
unvaccinated – 16 years and over
immunosuppressed
a worker, resident, patient, or client in a high-risk setting where there is not a current outbreak
asked to by a registered medical practitioner.
Who should get tested
Manage COVID-19 safely at home
If you get a positive test result, self-isolate immediately for 7 days. Don’t leave your home or let anyone come into your home unless they live there. You should follow the advice for people testing positive to COVID-19.
Tell other members of your household to take a rapid antigen test and isolate immediately. Tell other contacts to assess their risk, take a rapid antigen test and follow the information for people exposed to COVID-19.
You can safely manage COVID-19 at home if you:
are under 65 years of age
have received at least 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine
don’t suffer from any chronic conditions
aren’t pregnant.
If you feel unwell and you‘re either over 65, pregnant, or have a chronic condition that requires regular hospital visits or specialist follow-up, please call the NSW Health COVID-19 Care at Home Support Line on 1800 960 933.
Manage COVID-19 at home
(Picture of : friends gathering outside in a covid-safe environment)
Making small behaviour changes can help reduce the spread of COVID-19
Keeping everyone safe is up to us:
Keep to your usual social circle, avoid large gatherings
Minimise household visits
Move activities outside or to well-ventilated spaces – where possible
No singing and dancing allowed at hospitality venues – excluding weddings
Reduce mingling when out at hospitality venues.
Staying safe from COVID-19
(Picture of: Man checking Service NSW website for opening hours)
COVID-19 is impacting our service centres
Before you visit a Service NSW centre we recommend checking the latest opening hours.
Some of our service centres are closed or have different opening hours due to COVID-19. There are also limits on the number of staff and customers allowed inside at any one time.
There are many Service NSW transactions you can do yourself online.
Service centre opening hours
(Picture of: Young man getting COVID-19 booster vaccination)
Get your booster as soon as it's due
If you’re aged 18 or over and it’s been 4 months since your second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, you're eligible for a booster vaccination. This will help strengthen your immune system and improve your long-term protection against serious illness from the COVID-19 virus.
You can now also book vaccination appointments for children aged 5 to 11 years.
Book your booster shot
Service NSW
service.nsw.gov.au
13 77 88
(post is archived)