New clinic put to test in Hobart

A NEW respiratory clinic has opened in the state’s South to keep up with testing demand in Hobart.

Health Minister Sarah Courtney said the clinic would be led by a team of nurses and would operate during normal business hours.

The clinic will not be open for walk-in testing, and all patients must still be referred by Public Health Services.

General practitioners will also be able to direct people to the mobile clinic if required, provided they have seen the person as a patient and deemed it necessary.

Ms Courtney said after being referred to the clinic, patients will be assessed by a nurse and asked to return home to self-isolate until they get their test result.

“I strongly urge all those who have been asked to selfisolate post-testing to ensure that they follow these very clear instructions,” Ms Courtney said.

Opposition health spokeswoman Sarah Lovell said serious questions had arisen about the adequacy of public information and support following confirmation a 20-year-old man did not comply with the self-isolating instructions.

Instead of self-isolating, the man went to work, attended college, and went clubbing on Friday night.

“People are understandably concerned about the man’s failure to comply with advice from health authorities and self-isolate before receiving his positive test results,” Ms Lovell said.

However, she said the State Government plan to fine those who did not self-isolate was heavy handed.

“Obviously, we want people to comply with self-isolation directives, but instead of bullying people by threatening fines they can’t afford, we need to understand why people may not be self-isolating when advised to do so,” she said.

“Many Tasmanians are under-employed, casual, or may not have reserves of personal leave, and can’t simply take time off work without facing significant financial hardship. Threatening people with fines may only deter them from being tested in the first place, leading to a much higher infection rate.

“This is a unique situation and if we don’t treat it as such, with special measures in place, we will struggle to contain the spread of coronavirus.”

Ms Courtney also welcomed the announcement an additional 54 million face masks had been secured by the Federal Government.

“I encourage Tasmanians to heed public health advice that the use of face masks by the general public is not recommended,” she said.

“This helps to ensure availability when they are clinically needed, such as in dental practices, the medical sector and for those in contact with a suspected case.”

To date, there have been 145 completed tests for coronavirus with only two positive.