Covid-19. Patient Information

Over the past few weeks, there have been ongoing announcements and changes implemented at both Federal and State based levels regarding COVID-19.

It goes without saying that the challenges facing our community as a result of COVID-19 bring with it feelings of anxiety, stress and uncertainty. We recognise that our patients may be experiencing these emotions in varying levels and processing emotions in different ways.

At Australian Family Care, we are looking to stand with our community, following the recommended Government guidelines, whilst also considering the wellbeing of those in our care.

We have established a COVID-19 Response Team who will meet to discuss the implications of announcements from the Government, to work through challenges facing our patients and staff in our care, to make preparations so we can move swiftly to providing clinical care when needed.

Information and guidelines for patients can be found below.

How Can I make an Appointment?

The way we provide consultations has changed. Because of the COVID-19 risk, most of our consultations will be provided via telehealth. You will find that our doors are closed at our clinics however this does not mean you cannot make an appointment. Please call your clinic to find out how to best make an appointment.

Please click on the link below for more information:

Letter for patients regarding clinic access and how to make an appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is COVID-19?

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.

The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol-based rub frequently and not touching your face.

The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol-based rub frequently and not touching your face.

The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow).

At this time, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19. However, there are many ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential treatments.

For a good introduction to COVID-19 including the science and biology of COVID-19 as well as signs and symptoms, please watch this YouTube movie made by Dr Kevork Hopayian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=98&v=pClOtypPYx0&feature=emb_logo

How can I protect myself?

Wash your hands frequently:

• Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
• Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

Maintain social distancing:

• Maintain at least 1.5 metre distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
• Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

Practice respiratory hygiene:

• Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
• Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

For more information please refer to the SA Health Stop the Spread page

Who Can Get Tested?

Two-Week Testing Blitz

 

  • All South Australians with cold or flu symptoms will be able to access COVID-19 testing as part of a two-week testing blitz from 16 April to 30 April 2020.

 

  • Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose or shortness of breath, can be tested for COVID-19 as part of the blitz.

 

  • Until now, testing has focussed on people most at-risk of contracting the disease, including those who have travelled or are close contacts of confirmed cases.

 

  • Low case numbers in recent days mean there is opportunity and capacity to test a broader section of the community.

 

  • Testing data will be reviewed to determine whether the strategy needs to be modified and testing criteria adjusted.

Where Can I Get Tested?

One of our GPs can test you, or you can arrange to get tested at any of the SA Health COVID-19 clinics or drive-through services.

 

You can also get assessed and tested for COVID-19 at the Reynella Respiratory Clinic (located at Reynella Family Care).

 

Appointments can be made through HotDoc.

 

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, from 8:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 5:30pm

Location: 216 Old South Road, Old Reynella, SA 5161

 

Entrance to the Respiratory Clinic is from Mill Street.

Patients will have to park and wait until they are called in.

What do I need to know about self-isolation?

Information regarding isolation can be found here.

I am a healthcare worker – what do I need to know about isolation?

From 16 March 2020, all overseas travellers, including all healthcare workers must:

  • self-isolate at home other than for seeking individual medical care for 14 days from the day of return from overseas

 

From 4pm 24 March 2020, all interstate travellers, and cruise ship passengers including all healthcare workers must:

  • self-isolate at home other than for seeking individual medical care for 14 days from the day of return from overseas

 

 

What if I have had contact with a COVID-19 case?

 

All healthcare workers who have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the previous 14 days must:

 

  • self-isolate at home other than for seeking individual medical care for 14 days from the last day of contact
  • monitor symptoms for 14 days since last contact.
  • Arrange to have testing at any SA COVID-19 clinic or drive-through service.

 

 

What if I have not had contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case but I am unwell?

 

  • Acute respiratory illness (even mild) in staff who have not travelled overseas or interstate in the last 14 days must self-isolate
  • Healthcare workers with acute respiratory illness should not work while they are symptomatic. This includes mild respiratory symptoms of recent onset and unexplained fever.
  • Healthcare workers who have fever OR respiratory symptoms must immediately self-isolate and should not return to duties until medically assessed. The need for testing and further isolation should be assessed on a case by case basis.
  • Healthcare workers who have fever AND respiratory symptoms must immediately self-isolate and should not return to duties until tested and cleared from COVID-19.

I am really struggling with the COVID-19 situation. Are there any resources to help me deal with the stress and/or anxiety I am experiencing?

It is normal to feel stress and worry in the current situation. It is evident that the COVID-19 situation is affecting the well-being of many people.

For information on coping and mental health support see:

SA Health’s Mental Health and COVID-19 Fact Sheet

 

Beyond Blue’s COVID-19 Website