The Tasmanian majority Liberal Government is committed to looking after the wellbeing of the Tasmanian community and as part of our public health response to coronavirus, we have today opened an interim respiratory clinic in Launceston.
This is the first clinic and it has been established rapidly to meet increased demand for testing, following the identification this week of Tasmania’s first diagnosed case in Launceston.
It is important to note that while the risk to the Tasmanian community remains low, the clinic has been established to assist the increased demand for testing.
This clinic, provided in a mobile clinic supplied by the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tasmania, will enable assessment to occur and is located close to the Launceston General Hospital ED.
Respiratory Clinics provide a safe clinical assessment and management to minimise the transmission of COVID-19 in other health care settings, such as general practice and hospital emergency departments and outpatient clinics.
Work is well advanced on the establishment of further clinics in Tasmania in coming weeks and a further update will be provided shortly.
People should note that the clinic is 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.
GPs are also able to direct people to attend the mobile clinic for testing if required, provided they have seen the person as a patient and determined they require 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 atwww.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov.