COVID-19 testing and the workplace

Published 18 February 2022 | Updated 3 March 2022

In this section, you’ll find information and guidance on COVID-19 testing and the workplace.

In this section:

• Rapid antigen testing
• PCR testing
• Test results
• COVID-19 testing and workplace protections

Employees may get tested for COVID-19 for several reasons, including when they have COVID-19 symptoms or are a close contact. Some of these reasons might be connected to their work. State or territory health departments’ websites contain guidance about when and how to get tested.

• Australian Capital Territory 
• New South Wales 
• Northern Territory 
• Queensland 
• South Australia 
• Tasmania 
• Victoria 
• Western Australia .

The Department of Health also provides public health advice on COVID-19 testing. See: Department of Health: Testing for COVID-19 .

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How COVID-19 tests work

There are 2 types of tests that can detect if you have the COVID-19 virus:

• rapid antigen tests
• nucleic acid, commonly known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), tests.

Find out more from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) about how COVID-19 testing works .