Victorians who have mild COVID-19 symptoms are being encouraged to recover safely at home, with a new campaign being launched today to highlight the support available for those who are slightly unwell.
The Get the Right Help for Your Recovery campaign aims to support Victorians experiencing mild symptoms using measures such as rest, hydration and pain relief, so they can feel confident managing their recovery at home.
More than 550,000 cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed across Victoria since 1 January. With only 0.71 per cent requiring hospital care, for many Victorians recovery has meant rest in the comfort of their own home.
For those that experience more severe symptoms, the campaign explains what signs to look out for and what to do if you need additional help – such as speaking to your GP, pharmacist or the National Coronavirus Hotline.
The campaign – which will run across TV, radio, digital, social, print and outdoor media – also serves as another reminder to keep Triple Zero calls for emergencies so hospitals can help Victoria’s sickest patients.
To reach as many Victorians as possible, the campaign will be translated into 41 languages, have versions targeting Aboriginal Victorians and reach people with a disability through Auslan translation and ads on Vision Australia radio.
Victorians are also being supported through the COVID Positive Pathways program – which has helped 545,000 people safely isolate and recover at home since its launch last October.
People who test positive are assessed via a survey, which helps determine the level of support they require based on their circumstances – with the majority of people being managed through the self-care and low pathways.
The program links COVID-19 positive Victorians with community health services, GPs and other providers depending on the level of clinical care and support they need after testing positive.
The program also connects people to other important social services they may need while they’re unwell, including emergency accommodation, food relief, alcohol, drug, mental health and family violence support services.
For more information about COVID Positive Pathways visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/covid-positive-pathways. Coronavirus patients can also get information and support by calling the National Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 020 080.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Martin Foley
“We’re helping people get the right care for their recovery and know what to do if they start to experience more serious symptoms.”
“For most Victorians who catch COVID, what they’ll need is a few days of rest and some pain relief – not an ambulance or an ED.”
“Our COVID Positive Pathways program has already helped thousands of Victorians recover safely at home – easing the pressure on our busy health system.”
Reviewed 25 January 2022