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Earlier this month, the RCPA, released a statement urging the wider community to follow the Government’s guidance on the COVID-19 pandemic, which is based on the latest and best advice from medical experts. This article looks at the official Government advice which includes the necessary precautions required to protect all individuals, including those who are particularly vulnerable to the virus.
The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) is the key decision-making committee for health emergencies related to infection diseases and has the direct role of advising the Government about COVID-19. It is comprised of all state and territory Chief Health Officers and is chaired by the Australian Chief Medical Officer.
Dr Michael Dray – President of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia said,
“In times of public health emergency, it is essential that we follow the advice provided by the Government which comes from a background of expertise. The current guidance aims to protect our community through the containment of COVID-19 and the prevention of person to person transmission within Australia. Any new measures and restrictions implemented by Government are done so to minimise the spread of COVID-19 by safeguarding the health and wellbeing of all individuals in our community, including those who are more vulnerable and those who are working in our healthcare system.
“Although conflicting advice can appear in the media and on social media from time to time, causing confusion, we strongly recommend following the advice of the Government for the protection of our community.”
Individuals are recommended to follow current recommendations in order to slow the spread of the virus. This advice includes:
- Practicing social distancing;
- Following the limits for public gatherings;
- Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
- Covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing;
- Avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth; and
- Most importantly, staying home if unwell.
An individual should seek medical attention if they develop a fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath:
- within 14 days of overseas travel;
- following contact with someone who has COVID-19; or
- if they are a healthcare worker with direct patient contact – even if they have not recently travelled or had contact with someone who has COVID-19[1].
“Currently, Pathologists are working around the clock to effectively deliver high-quality testing within short time-frames as they test for and diagnose COVID-19. The Pathologists and Scientists that are involved in testing for COVID-19 are highly skilled and have introduced and implemented a huge number of tests for COVID-19 at an incredibly quick pace. Australia has one of the most comprehensive testing regimes in the world and currently, over 290,000 tests have been carried out for COVID-19 in Australia,” said Dr Dray.
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