There’s only a finite amount of tests so they’ve created restrictions, but it’s not at all restricted to having been in those countries. They’re just prioritising certain people in certain scenarios to avoid fucking away all their resources. Which is smart. Especially as most likely when you know you have it you’re going to be told to self isolate. If you’re sick enough to need the hospital you’re sick enough for a test. If resources weren’t finite I’m sure they’d piss them away on anyone whose got a runny nose and a sore throat. But they need to be responsible.
Priorities:
*Returned from overseas in the past 14 days and developed respiratory illness with or without fever
Been in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case in the past 14 days and developed respiratory illness with or without fever
Severe community-acquired pneumonia with no clear cause
Healthcare workers who develop respiratory illness and fever
People in hospitals*
Knowing you have it doesn’t not cure you if it. If you’re feeling sick, self isolate. I was coughed on at uni and feel like I might be sick so I’m self isolating because I don’t want to risk anyone. And a bunch of staff and students at uni were since exposed and have been tested - all negative so far - so I’m lucky that they’ve started making the switch to online. Isolate yourself as soon as you feasibly can even if you’re not sick, but especially if you are. And see if you qualify for a test but understand they have limitations right now.
If you’re sick and really worried the public information hotline is 1800 675 398. They’ll determine whether you need a test or not.