The Rural Doctors Association of Australia is reminding everyone in country areas to stay on the lookout for any COVID-like symptoms.
RDAA president Dr John Hall, said that with the NSW outbreak resulting in a small number of cases outside of the Sydney area, it was particularly important to remain vigilant.
“I feel like I’m starting to sound like Mad-Eye Moody, but constant vigilance really is just as important, if not more important, now as it was a year ago,” Dr Hall said.
“If you have even the slightest cold or flu symptoms, please don’t just pop in to the GP clinic.
“Call ahead and make an appointment so they can take the appropriate precautions before you arrive.
“If you go to the COVID testing clinic make sure you wear a mask and socially distance while you wait.
“While COVID hasn’t taken hold in many rural communities yet, with essential workers and unknown contacts potentially still moving around the community, we need to remain very careful.
“If you have any respiratory symptoms at all, get a COVID test, but please phone ahead so they know you are coming, and follow the directions.
“When it comes to medical care, remember that there are a range of options available to you, including telephone and video consultations,” Dr Hall said.
“We congratulate the Commonwealth government for maintaining access to a high level of telehealth services during the pandemic, and increasing the variety of consults available by telephone throughout hotspot declared areas.”
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