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Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Posted on January 30, 2020

Where do I find key coronavirus information?

I am sick and think I may have coronavirus (otherwise known as COVID-19). What do I do?

If you’re not feeling 100 per cent, there are a few options.

The Tasmanian Government is encouraging anyone with the following symptoms to check if they should be tested for coronavirus:

  • a fever
  • runny nose
  • cough
  • sore/itchy throat, or
  • shortness of breath.

The Tasmanian Government is also encouraging testing for people who fall into the following criteria:

  • all persons presenting with respiratory symptoms, or with history of recent respiratory symptoms (within the last seven days)
  • health and aged care workers displaying symptoms. Household members of healthcare and aged care workers who are displaying symptoms are also encouraged to be tested
  • close contacts of confirmed cases between days 10-12 of quarantine period
  • people in government-provided accommodation on days 5 and 12 of their quarantine period
  • Tasmanians in home quarantine on day 12 of their quarantine period.

A good idea is to call your GP and get their advice, or try the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.

If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. Tell the operator and the ambulance officer about your recent travel.

If you do end up going to see your GP in person, make sure you call ahead to make an appointment first – don’t just turn up.

Click here for more information.

I’ve heard about new respiratory clinics across Tasmania. Where do I find out more?

Primary Health Tasmania has helped set up GP-led respiratory clinics across Tasmania as part of our role in the Australian Government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. These clinics are in addition to Tasmanian Government clinics, such as the mobile testing units that travel around the state.

You may wish to go to a GP-led respiratory clinic if it’s more convenient for you.

We’ve prepared easy-to-follow information about these clinics, which don’t require a doctor’s referral and can also assess and test you for coronavirus, if need be.

Click here to find out more about the respiratory clinics.

I don’t think I have coronavirus (COVID-19), but I do need support for another health condition. What can and can’t I do, when it comes to getting healthcare at this time?

Now, more than ever, it’s important to keep your health and wellbeing on track.

Your GP and health services are still there for you, so there’s no need to put off or miss medical appointments, or ignore symptoms during isolation.

There are safe ways of getting all sorts of care, including:

  • consultations
  • vaccinations
  • prescriptions
  • and more.

Click here to see the key information Primary Health Tasmania has pulled together to help Tasmanians stay engaged with their health services during the coronavirus pandemic.

What is happening with the COVID-19 vaccine rollout?

The Australian Government has outlined a national roadmap for the country’s COVID-19 rollout. People in residential aged care facilities will be among the first to get the vaccine, with that process expected to begin in late February. Primary health networks across the country have a role supporting this process.

You can find out more about COVID-19 vaccines here.

How do I keep my health on track during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Click here to find out.

Where can I find resources for dealing with stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Discussions and concerns around the coronavirus outbreak and practising self-isolation can be stressful and impact our mental health and wellbeing.

It’s natural to feel a range of emotions, such as stress, worry, anxiety, boredom, or low mood. Many people feel distressed by the constant news and overwhelming amount of information about the situation.

The Australian Government’s Head to Health website has been recently updated to include lots of information about the COVID-19 pandemic, and how to look after yourself throughout the response.

It’s also important to remember that eligible Tasmanians can access free mental health services supported by Primary Health Tasmania, available across the state. To find out more about what’s on offer, click here.

Please note: Primary Health Tasmania does not deliver health services or crisis support.

Your regular doctor should always be your first point of call if you need medical or mental health care.

In an emergency, call Triple 0 (000) for Ambulance, Fire or Police.

For information about health services open at night, public holidays and weekends, visit the Tas After Hours website.

The following helplines are also available for urgent assistance:

  • Mental Health Services Helpline 1800 332 388
  • Lifeline Crisis Help 13 11 14
  • Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
  • Drug and Alcohol Counselling (after hours) 1800 811 994
  • Poison Information Centre 13 11 26.

What is the COVIDSafe app?

The COVIDSafe app is part of the Australian Government’s effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, and is completely voluntary.

Click here to find out more.

More information
Comprehensive health advice on coronavirus from healthdirect Australia
Australian Government Department of Health
Tasmanian Department of Health 
Information for Tasmanian primary health care professionals