GPs prepped for COVID-19

HEALTH authorities expect Australian COVID-19 cases to peak in April and have cautioned against Darling Downs residents putting undue strain on the health network.

Ochre Health medical director and Australian Rural Doctors Association president

John Hll said people only needed swab tests for COVID-19 if they had flu-like symptoms and recently visited countries where the virus was endemic.

“There is certainly an upspike in the demand for testing and of people presenting to surgeries with respiratory symptoms,” Dr Hall said.

While several labs in the

Darling Downs could test for COVID-19, Dr Hall said equipment was limited.

This meant tests would only be issued to patients whose symptoms combined with suspect travel history.

“The shortage is in the manufactured components of the test,” Dr Hall said.

“With China restricting travel and movement of goods, there will be restrictions in raw materials for tests.”

If someone is concerned they have the virus, they should phone their GP.

Dr Hall said their GP would do an assessment and refer a patient for testing if needed.

“The point of testing is to identify and mange people who are at risk of becoming significantly unwell,” he said.

“It is those people we want to target and protect,” he said.

Most Toowoomba GP clinics have established isolation rooms for sick clients.

Some have taken extra precautions including doctors assessing patients while in a vehicle parked outside.

The Ochre Health clinics are keeping patients away from the hospital as most people who contract the virus experience minor symptoms.

“Hospitals need to be reserved for people who are seriously unwell,” Dr Hall said.

“Based on the way this virus is transmitted, it is only a matter of time before it spreads through the community but the containment measures in place by the government will help slow the infection rate.”