Jubilee Community Care has fielded many questions about Covid-19 and Rapid Antigen Tests. Jubilee’s Senior Client Support Coordinator Nicky answers some common questions.
** Where do I access a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT)? If you hold an eligible concession card you can collect free RAT kits at Queensland Health RAT distribution points such as the Inala, North-West, Chermside, and Nundah community health centres or they can be purchased at your local pharmacy or supermarket. To protect others, only go to purchase one if you are well.
RATs are performed by yourself at home with a result in 10-30 minutes. Follow the instructions found in the test kit carefully. Typically you will swab your nose and/or throat or the inside of your cheeks and tongue.
** How do I report a positive RAT for myself or someone in my care? Phone Queensland Health via 134 268 with your positive result. Alternatively, fill in the Queensland Health self-reporting form at www.qld.gov.au/rat-positive/rapid-antigen-test-registration. You only need to report a positive RAT result for a test taken in the last 14 days.
If you need help, including the assistance of a free interpreter, phone 134 268. Note: if you took a PCR test at a clinic and received an SMS with a positive result, you do not need to report it. The clinic will report it to Queensland Health.
** I am COVID-19 positive. What now? Please speak with your doctor about anti-viral medications. These are available for people at high risk of developing severe illness and can reduce the need for you to go to hospital. Treatment needs to start within five days of developing symptoms or when a positive COVID test result becomes known. Contact your doctor or usual specialist to seek advice on the right type of COVID care for you.
** How does this affect my Jubilee services? Jubilee staff are unable to visit your home if a person in the household is COVID-positive. At other times they will continue to wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as per the current COVID guidelines. A staff member who is a COVID close contact, or who has gastro or cold/flu-like symptoms themselves, are not able to attend work until certain mandatory time periods and the risk of infection have passed.
Clients may call the National Coronavirus Helpline 24/7 on 1800 020 080 for assistance in connecting you to a health professional or hospital care. Press 8 if you need an interpreter during the phone call.
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