Translated resources

We have COVID-19 resources available in a number of community languages.

العربية Arabic 简体中文 Chinese हिन Hindi  ਪੰਜਾ Punjabi Somali tiếng_Việt Vietnamese

COVID-19 information

For general information, including testing or vaccination sites, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au

This site also has translated information in languages other than English.

Our Kids Health Info coronavirus fact sheet contains advice for parents and carers whose child may have COVID-19.

Visit our RCH TV page to watch videos made especially for children—some of these are designed to explain COVID-19 topics. 

If you need an interpreter, please call TIS National on 131 450.

Visitor restrictions

Visitor restrictions are currently in place at The Royal Children’s Hospital. These determine who can visit and the number of visitors allowed in each ward  or area.

Restrictions vary for each ward and can change at short notice. Please check carefully before you visit.

View our Visitor Guidelines page for the latest updates.

Like other hospitals in Victoria, the RCH creates tailored restrictions based on its unique needs and risk profile. These align with guidance provided to us by the Victorian Department of Health.

Restrictions are never introduced lightly. They are based on what is important and necessary to keep patients, families and staff safe during COVID-19.

Please respect our staff and follow their instructions at all times.

Maintaining a COVID-safe environment

The RCH has strict infection prevention control protocols in place. These include PPE (personal protective equipment) protocols for our staff and the highest possible standards of cleaning and

We also rely on visitors to play their part.

While visiting the hospital, please remember to sanitise your hands regularly and maintain physical distancing. Unless you have your own N95 mask, you will be issued with a surgical mask on arrival. It’s absolutely essential to wear this over both your mouth and nose at all times.

COVID testing at the RCH

There are no walk or drive-in clinics available at the RCH as the Respiratory Infection Clinic is permanently closed. If your child needs a PCR test, a list of testing locations can be found on the Department of Health website.

Specialist clinic arrangements

If you or your child has COVID-19 (or COVID-like symptoms) and a scheduled Specialist Clinic appointment, please call 03 9345 6180. The Clinic staff will talk you through next steps to help your child get the care they need.

Visit our Specialist Clinics web page for more information and guidelines around attending appointments.

Telehealth appointments

Telehealth (phone or video call) appointments allow us to care for patients while reducing the number of people attending the hospital each day.

Watch our telehealth quick step guide

Before your child’s next appointment, a member of our Specialist Clinics team may be in touch about moving this to a telehealth or phone review. 

Patients who need to be seen in person will continue to have their appointments at the hospital.