The Victoria Government Department of Health & Human Services has advised that a number of resources have been updated in the past 24 hours and can be found at the following site: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/information-health-services-and-general-practitioners-novel-coronavirus
Updated resources include:
- Guideline for health services and general practitioners
- Novel Coronavirus general practice quick reference guide
- Waiting room poster in English and Chinese
It has been noted by the Department that there is a requirement for P2 respirator masks for taking respiratory samples in suspected cases. P2 respirator masks will be made available to general practices via the Primary Health Networks commencing in the next 24hrs from the Department’s current stock so you should call your PHN to access supplies.
The Victorian case definition has expanded to include any person with respiratory illness, with or without fever from Hubei province is now a suspected cases, and a number of further considerations. This is changing as evidence emerges locally and internationally and will be regularly reviewed. If you have a person you are concerned may have coronavirus, please call the notification line on 1300 651 160.
The Department is endeavouring to ensure clinicians are prioritised and answered rapidly and apologise for any wait times. They have been experiencing an almost 1000% increase in call load and scaling up staff as quickly as they can.
Additional updated information regarding home isolation for returned travellers is available in the guide and on the website.
There is a public hotline available for the general public available at 1800 675 398 and information for the public on the incident website: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/information-public-novel-coronavirus
