Rapid antigen tests
The University is helping our community access COVID-19 rapid antigen tests for a range of purposes.
To help detect and reduce transmission of COVID-19 in our community, the University is supporting students and staff with access to discounted rapid antigen tests (RATs) on campus for:
- Regular testing following exposure to someone who has COVID-19
- Clearance testing for people returning to campus as they recover from COVID-19
- Voluntary routine testing by asymptomatic people for additional confidence and assurance
During Semester 1, 2023, the University will also provide limited access to free RATs and P2 masks for students meeting these criteria.
Students and staff may need to undertake asymptomatic testing to participate in activities in higher-risk settings as identified through local risk assessment – local areas will provide RATs if this is required.
Collection points – RATs and P2 masks
There are collection points on every campus.
Please do not come to campus to collect a test if you are unwell. Please ask someone to collect a test from campus on your behalf or visit a community collection point.
Face masks may also be available from some community collection points, staffed train stations and Public Transport Victoria hubs.
Find your local campus collection point:
| Campus | Building number | Building name / location | Operating times* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parkville | Various | Vending machine locations and instructions | Various |
| Ballarat | Campus Life Desk | 8am – 4pm | |
| Burnley | Reception | 8.30am – 5.30pm | |
| Creswick | Reception | Mon–Fri: 8.15am – 4pm | |
| Dookie | 505 | Reception | 8.30am – 4.30pm |
| Hawthorn |
442 Auburn Rd Level 1, main entrance | Mon–Fri: 10am – 6pm | |
| Shepparton |
Rural Health, 49 Graham St Reception | 9am – 5pm | |
| Southbank | 863 | The Hub Vending machine near ground floor toilets – location and instructions | Building hours |
| Wangaratta | Campus Life Desk | ||
| Werribee | 418 |
Learning and Teaching Building Vending machine near walkway to Parasitology Building – location and instructions | Building hours |
| * In-person collection points will be closed on University holidays and may offer reduced hours during non-teaching periods. | |||
More information
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How and when should I use a RAT?
- We recommend following this Victorian Government guidance on how and when to use a RAT
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Performing the test
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific test kit.
Read taking the test for more information.
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Test disposal
- If your RAT was negative, throw away all your kit components in your household rubbish bin.
- If your RAT was positive, place all the kit components into a separate bag, seal the bag and throw into the rubbish.
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Reporting your result
Negative result
If you receive a negative result but have symptoms, please do not attend any University location until your symptoms resolve and/or you have a diagnosis that is deemed non-infectious by a GP/specialist.
You do not need to report a negative result unless specifically requested by the Department of Health or our Public Health Network.
Positive test result
Please follow the guidance on our testing and isolation page, which includes notifying the Victorian Government and the University's Public Health Network to access support and latest health advice.
- Seek medical advice as required.
- If you are having serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call 000.
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Criteria for students to access free P2 masks and RATs on campus
The University will provide limited access to free P2 masks and RATs for students who meet certain support criteria.
How to access free RATs and P2 masks on campus
You can apply to access free P2 masks and/or RATs from the University if you want to take extra precautions when attending campus under the following circumstances:
- You are immunocompromised and it is medically recommended you use masks when in public
- You have carer responsibilities for others who are immunocompromised
- You are experiencing financial hardship that prevents you from being able to purchase masks and/or RATs
If you meet any of these conditions, you can apply to access free masks and/or RATs here. The application requires a signed Statutory Declaration that you meet one or more of the above criteria.
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Where to get free RATs and P2 masks
Free rapid antigen tests are available from some community collection points. Some of these locations may also provide free P2 (or equivalent) face masks.
Students can apply to access free RATs and P2 masks on campus if they meet the support criteria outlined here.