The Mid North Coast Local Health District is planning the establishment of acute respiratory clinics to screen people with risk factors for COVID-19 (coronavirus) and other respiratory illnesses.
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"The clinics are part of the district's ongoing response to minimise the spread of COVID-19 in the community," a NSW Health spokesperson said.
Read more: Two more COVID-19 deaths confirmed in NSW
The centres would be similar to a fever or flu clinic concept.
A NSW Health spokesperson said all state-wide health facilities are planning for a potential increase in presentations of people with respiratory illness this autumn and winter.
"NSW Health is working with health facilities and clinicians to maximise available critical care resources," the spokesperson said.
"A key activity is to manage a potential increase in attendances of patients with respiratory tract infections (such as COVID-19 and seasonal influenza) while maintaining services."
This also includes monitoring intensive care bed availability, staffing and availability of critical infrastructure, such as ventilators.
COVID-19 was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, where it has caused a large and ongoing outbreak. It has since spread more widely in many other countries.
NSW Health has developed and exercised a range of procedures for case finding, diagnosis, and contact tracing for high consequence infectious diseases (such as pandemic influenza, SARS, MERS, and emerging infections) should they occur in NSW.
These procedures are being used to identify contacts of any confirmed cases of COVID-19 in NSW.
The best way to protect yourself is the same as you would against any respiratory infection. Practice good hygiene by:
- making sure to clean your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub
- cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or a flexed elbow
- avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.
- Make sure you stay home if you are sick.
Medical centres in Port Macquarie are urging residents to take precautions to prevent the potential spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
If you have travelled to an at risk country or been in close contact with someone with the virus, please isolate and call your GP or 1800 022 222 for further advice.
If you are having trouble breathing and been to an at risk country or a known COVID-19 contact, go to the emergency department.
For more information about the virus, please visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au
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