Where to get tested for COVID in Canberra over Christmas
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It’s everyone’s worst nightmare—coming down with the dreaded C word at Christmas.
We sincerely hope this won’t be the case for you or your loved ones. But if you want to access a PCR test in Canberra this Christmas or at-home COVID care, here’s what you need to know for the festive season.
The ACT Government will continue to provide free PCR testing for priority groups at the Garran testing centre until the end of February 2023. Those at lower risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 are advised to use a RAT.
The COVID-19 testing centre at Holt will close permanently on Friday 23 December 2022.
ACT Government COVID-19 services will still be available over the holiday period but will operate reduced hours from Sunday 25 December 2022 as follows:
- The Garran COVID-19 testing centre will be open from 10 am to 6 pm, Monday to Saturday and will be closed on Sundays.
- The Weston Creek COVID-19 clinic is open every day from 2 pm to 10 pm, including public holidays.
- The COVID-19 Care@Home team is available by calling 02 5124 3085 between 8.30 am and 5 pm. The team of doctors and nurses are available every day, including public holidays.
Remember to report any positive RAT tests
It’s also important to note that the ACT Government has extended the COVID-19 Management Declaration for a further period of 90 days, to 28 March 2023, following receipt of advice from the Chief Health Officer.
This means that under the COVID-19 Management Declaration, Canberrans are still required to report their positive rapid antigen tests results to ACT Health. You can report your test here.
“Reporting of positive RATs, together with PCR test results, helps us to understand the impact of COVID-19 in the ACT and to provide early advice to individuals on symptom management and treatment options,” said ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman.
Be COVID Smart this Christmas
Ahead of Christmas, Acting Minister for Health Chris Steel reminded Canberrans that we are still living with COVID-19 in our community and encouraged COVID Smart behaviour during the holiday period.
“We encourage Canberrans to continue to make COVID Smart choices during the Christmas and New Year period and throughout the summer holidays.”
“Remember to stay home if you feel unwell or have cold or flu symptoms and continue to test for COVID-19,” Minister Steel said.
“If you’re hosting a party throughout this festive season, consider using outdoor spaces because they present less risk of COVID-19 transmission.”
While the weather is looking great for Christmas weekend, understandably some celebrations aren’t able to be held outdoors. If you are celebrating indoors, ACT Health suggests:
- Holding smaller gatherings
- Reducing the length of time spent indoors together
- Improving ventilation by keeping windows or doors open
“Stay up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, as this is the best protection from serious illness and hospitalisation,” Minister Steel said.
Mask up when visiting vulnerable loved ones this Christmas
ACT Health is also reminding Canberrans they should continue to wear a mask when visiting high-risk settings such as residential aged care facilities, hospitals, and disability care settings.
“All Canberra hospitals and public health facilities will continue to require mask-wearing. This is to protect those most at risk of severe health outcomes from COVID-19, as well as to preserve our essential frontline healthcare workforce. These requirements will be regularly reviewed,” said Dr Coleman.
“People must follow all the polices that providers put in place to ensure the safety of their facilities.
“Please do not visit a loved one in hospital if you have COVID-19. If you do have symptoms, consider doing a RAT before you visit a high-risk setting,” said Dr Coleman.
