Patient Alert – Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Updated 12/03/2020

There is a lot of media regarding the Covid-19 virus, which can get confusing. Please find some simple advice on what to look for, and what to do.

If you have ANY of these symptoms

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath

AND

• Travelled internationally in the 14 days before getting sick or been in close contact with anyone that has done so and is now sick

OR

• Had close contact with someone diagnosed with, or suspected of having Coronavirus in the 14 days before getting sick

Please do the following:

• It is important we minimise any risk of spreading the infection any further. Isolate yourself at home and minimise your contact with others.
• Put on a surgical mask and if you don’t have one, practise good sneeze/cough hygiene.
• Practise good hand hygiene.
• Call your GP Practice. They will help you with what to do next. We are running phone consults to assess for Covid-19 screening. You will have a call within the day.
• You MUST AVOID physically coming to any medical facility unannounced including your local ED.

If you have serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing:

• Call 000, ask for an ambulance and notify the officers of your recent travel or close contact history.

Recent update (11/3/2020):

Incoming travellers who have returned from mainland China or Iran (any date), the Republic of Korea (on or after 5 March 2020) or Italy (on or after 11 March 2020) will be required to self-isolate at their intended place of residence for a period of 14 days from the date of departure.

For up to date information please go to https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert