COVID-19: Testing, results and what you should do

If you feel unwell and have a cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, sore throat, fever, muscles aches and pains, chills and sweats, loss of sense of smell or taste then the first thing you need to do is get tested for COVID-19. Self-isolate until you receive the test results. If you require medical assistance when you are isolating then you can access telehealth services here.

If you have a recent negative COVID-19 test result and you require clinical examination in the centre, this can be arranged. For the safety of yourself, your doctor and your community we see you in a separate part of the centre and your doctor will wear PPE to examine you. We ask that you wear a surgical mask or N95 mask at all times when you are in the centre.

We do not offer COVID-19 testing on site. You can find the nearest testing stations or respiratory clinics further down this page.

The two main services where you can get tested for COVID-19 are pop up testing stations and government respiratory clinics.

Pop up testing stations can be walk in or drive through and do not require an appointment. However, you do require a pathology referral from your doctor. You can get a referral via a telehealth consult here

Government respiratory clinics are federally funded medical centers who have been set up to assess, test and diagnose people with COVID-19 symptoms.You do not need a referral of any kind to visit one of these clinics, however you do need an appointment. These appointments are all Bulk Billed. 

The respiratory clinics are staffed with doctors who complete a consultation with you. You are only seen once and any required follow up is completed by your regular doctor. If you have visited a government respiratory clinic and you require follow up with your regular doctor, please book a telehealth consult here. 

The nearest pop up testing station’s to M3 Health Hobsons Bay (Spotswood) centre are:

1. Melbourne Showgrounds

Testing Station Address: Epsom and Langs Rd, Ascot Vale VIC 3032

Details: Enter Gate 4 off Langs Rd – this is a left-hand turn only. You must attend in a car and stay in your car.

Open: 7 days a week 9am to 5pm.

2. Altona North Respiratory Clinic

Respiratory Clinic Address: 257 Mason Street, Altona North, VIC, 3025

Details: Bay-Fit Leisure centre car park

Open: Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm

Phone: 9393 3900

Distance from M3 Health Hobsons Bay (Spotswood): 4.7 Kms

3. Port Melbourne Respiratory Clinic

Respiratory Clinic Address: Shop 3/405 Bay Street, Port Melbourne, VIC, 3207

Open: Monday – Thursday 9am – 7pm, Friday 9am – 6pm, Saturday – Sunday 9am – 4pm.

Phone: 8583 1150

Distance from centre: 8.3 kms

The nearest pop up testing station’s to M3 Health Bayswater centre are:

1. Ringwood Respiratory Clinic

Respiratory Clinic Address: 46 Warrandyte Road, Ringwood, VIC, 3134

Opening hours: Not available on the site

Phone: 1300 219 449

Distance from M3 Health Bayswater: 6.3kms

The nearest pop up testing station’s to M3 Health Ascot Vale centre are:

1. Melbourne Showgrounds

Testing Station Address: Epsom and Langs Rd, Ascot Vale VIC 3032

Details: Enter Gate 4 off Langs Rd – this is a left-hand turn only. You must attend in a car and stay in your car.

Open: 7 days a week 9am to 5pm.

2. Wingate Avenue Community Centre

Testing Station Address: 13A Wingate Ave, Ascot Vale VIC 3032

Details: This is a walk in clinic.

Open: 7 days a week 9.30am – 4.30am. 

Distance from centre: 500 metres 

3. Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) Respiratory Clinic

Respiratory Clinic Address: 186 Nicholson Street, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065

Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday 10am – 4pm, Friday 10am – 3pm.

Phone: 0478 767 140

Distance from M3 Health Ascot Vale: 7.8kms 

No, you do not need a pathology request from your doctor to get a COVID-19 test.

COVID results are usually back within 6 -8 hours but this can vary depending on testing demand

If you receive a negative COVID-19 test result whilst you are symptomatic you can be assured you do not have the virus. If you are uncertain of what to do in different situations and would like medical advice,  you can book a telehealth appointment here

If you test positive for COVID-19 you must self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days or until your symptoms resolve. Anyone who has been in close contact with you, particularly family members should also self-isolate for the same period of time. 

It’s important to have regular contact with your doctor throughout this time so we can closely monitor your symptoms and manage your healthcare needs.

You must self-isolate yourself if you have a confirmed case of COVID-19 or if you have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19. If you are unsure about what to do, book a telehealth appointment and speak to one of our doctors here or call the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398

If you are symptomatic you must have a negative COVID-19 test result before returning to work. Beyond that the decision of returning to work is made between yourself and your employer.

Yes. Masks continue to be mandatory in all healthcare settings. Masks contain our own respiratory droplets and also offer some protection against other peoples. The safest combination is to wear a mask in combination with social distancing and practising hand hygiene.