The Tasmanian Government is committed to looking after the wellbeing of the Tasmanian community, and as part of our public health response to coronavirus we will this week open respiratory clinics at the North West Regional Hospital in Burnie and the Mersey Community Hospital in Latrobe.
These additions mean we now have clinics in our four major population centres to meet increased demand for testing.
It is important to note the risk to the Tasmanian community from casual contact with a confirmed case remains low.
Both clinics will be nurse led, with referrals and advice from Public Health, and both clinics will operate from 10am-6pm seven days a week.
The NWRH clinic will be open from today, and the Mersey clinic will open from tomorrow. Signage will ensure patients requiring coronavirus assessment are appropriately guided to the respiratory clinic.
Respiratory clinics provide a safe clinical assessment environment to minimise the transmission of COVID-19 to other health care settings, such as general practice, hospital emergency departments and outpatient clinics.
People should note that the clinics will be not open for walk-up testing, and anyone who thinks they may need testing should first contact the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738. Following this assessment you may be directed to attend the clinic for testing.
Further information
You can help slow the spread of viral illnesses by washing your hands often with soap and water, and using a tissue or elbow to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, then disposing of the tissue in a rubbish bin.
For general information about coronavirus, call the national 24-hour coronavirus information line on 1800 020 080 or visit the Australian Government Department of Health website at: www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov.