Rural Doctors Association of Australia president, Dr John Hall said: “Crucially – if you know you have been exposed to the virus, or you think you may have been – please do not turn up to your local GP or hospital unannounced.”
WE RECOMMEND:
• FIRST ringing the Coronavirus Health Information Line (1800 020 080) for advice. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.
• OR, contact your local GP or hospital – but please ring them first, rather than turning up to the waiting room.
They will be able to give you advice on what action to take. If they feel that they need to see you in person, it will give them time to get infection control measures ready.
TEST KITS:
Given a global shortage of test kits, testing for coronavirus is only available if your doctor decides you meet the following criteria:
• you have returned from overseas in the past 14 days and you develop respiratory illness with or without fever
• you have been in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case in the past 14 days and you develop respiratory illness with or without fever
•you have severe community-acquired pneumonia and there is no clear cause.
MEANWHILE:
• stay home as much as possible, and away from public spaces
• put off large gatherings of friends and family
• limit grandparents’ and other older people’s contact with children
• wash your hands frequently and well – and 30 seconds is suggested
• try not to touch your mouth, face and nose
• sneeze into a tissue and then putting the tissue in the rubbish (and washing your hands) – or sneezing into your elbow if you don’t have a tissue
• keep 1.5 metres away from others where possible and don’t shake hands
• self-isolate if you are feeling unwell or suspect you may have coronavirus.
