COVID-19 testing criteria expanded in WA

Posted: April 3rd, 2020

WA Health Minister Roger Cook MLA announced recently that the testing criteria for COVID-19 will be expanded significantly at all COVID-19 clinics in WA.

Any person from the general public presenting with BOTH a fever higher than 38°C AND an acute respiratory infection (e.g. shortness of breath, cough, sore throat) will be tested.

Also anyone working within a high-risk setting that presents with EITHER a fever higher than 38°C OR an acute respiratory infection will be tested. This includes healthcare workers (including aged care and disability workers) and Western Australian Police Officers.

Testing will also be arranged for anyone from the following high-risk settings where two or more people are experiencing EITHER a fever higher than, or equal to 38°C  OR an acute respiratory infection:

  • aged and residential care;
  • rural and remote Aboriginal communities;
  • detention centres;
  • correctional facilities;
  • boarding schools;
  • military barracks or equivalent;
  • geographically localised areas with increased risk of community transmission; and
  • cruise ship passengers or returned travellers (international and domestic).

Members of the public can telephone the COVID-19 Health Information Line on 1800 020 080 for advice.

More information here