Concerned about Coronavirus?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that COVID-19 is a pandemic.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person;
• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet)
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes
Symptoms
Symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Some people will recover easily, and others may get very sick very quickly. Affected people may experience:
• fever
• flu like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat and fatigue
• shortness of breath
If you become unwell and suspect you may have symptoms of Coronavirus, you must seek medical attention. You must ring the practice before arriving at the clinic and make staff aware of your symptoms, this way they can take protective measures to ensure the protection of yourself and others. This will also help make your doctor aware of your symptoms and your travel history or recent contact. Call 000 if you need urgent medical help.
Everyone arriving into Australia from Monday 16th March must self-isolate for 14 days.
How to protect yourself and others
Like most viruses, the best protection is if everyone practices good hygiene to protect against infection and prevent the virus spreading.
This includes;
• covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue
• disposing of tissues properly
• washing your hands with soap and water
• using alcohol-based hand sanitisers
• cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
• if you are sick, avoiding contact with others and staying more than 1.5 metres away from people
• if COVID-19 is spreading in your community put distance between yourself and other people - this is especially important for people who are at a higher risk of getting very sick
Video and telephone pre-screening consultations
To assist with the demand as well as keep our staff and patients safe, we are now offering pre-screening video and phone consults with the doctors at Next Practice Sydney.
· Patients eligible for COVID-19 telehealth can receive bulk billed phone or video consults*
· Patients not eligible for COVID-19 telehealth can receive phone or video consults privately billed
To find out more or to book visit our website or click here.
If you would still like to see a doctor in person, please call us directly and ensure you have spoken to a member of staff prior to presenting for your appointment.
*T & Cs: Bulk bill and Medicare rebates for phone or video consults only apply to those who meet the COVID-19 telehealth eligibility. If the patient meets eligibility criteria, it will be a bulk-billed consult under the MBS COVID-19 telehealth item number. Otherwise, any telehealth appointment will need to be privately billed.
Want more information?
The National Coronavirus Health Information Line is now live on 1800 020 080, providing public health and situation information. The line will refer requests for medical advice to registered nurses on health Direct – 1800 022 222.
For more information you can follow live advice and updates at;
• https://www.health.gov.au/news...
• https://www.who.int/emergencie...
