Rural and regional Australians are being urged to immediately implement simple hygiene and social distancing tactics to help limit the spread of coronavirus.
As of 6am on Tuesday, there had been 375 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia, including 68 in Queensland.
The Rural Doctors Association of Australia said while media coverage of coronavirus has mainly been focused on the big cities, rural and remote Australians can get ahead of the game.
"Our take-home message is to start implementing social distancing now to slow the spread of coronavirus," RDAA president Dr John Hall said.
"This includes avoiding non-essential travel and large gatherings.
"Slowing the spread of COVID-19 will reduce the peak demand on our rural and regional health services as they brace for the surge."
Dr Hall said those in rural and remote areas can further protect their communities by helping to limit unnecessary movement between towns.
"We anticipate that, depending on how things progress in the coming weeks and months, the government may move to put in place additional restrictions anyway - so it is good for rural and remote Australia to be ahead of the curve," he said.
"Crucially - if you know you have been exposed to the virus, or you think you may have been - please do not turn up to your local general practice or hospital unannounced."
RDAA recommends that you first ring the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080 for advice, or alternatively, contact your local GP or hospital.
"But please ring them first, rather than turning up to the waiting room.
"They will be able to give you advice on what action to take. If they feel that they need to see you in person, it will give them time to get infection control measures ready."
Due to a global shortage of test kits, the federal government has advised that testing for coronavirus is only available if your doctor decides you meet the following criteria:
- you have returned from overseas in the past 14 days and you develop respiratory illness with or without fever
- you have been in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case in the past 14 days and you develop respiratory illness with or without fever
- you have severe community-acquired pneumonia and there is no clear cause
"We can all make a big impact in slowing the spread of coronavirus, if we look out for each other and implement some basic personal hygiene techniques and social distancing now," Dr Hall said.
These techniques include:
- staying home as much as possible, and away from public spaces
- putting off large gatherings of friends and family
- as children can be key vectors of viruses, ensuring grandparents and other older people are careful in their interactions with children, and consider limiting contact with children
- washing your hands frequently
- trying not to touch your mouth, face and nose
- sneezing into a tissue and then putting the tissue in the rubbish (and washing your hands) - or sneezing into your elbow if you don't have a tissue
- keeping 1.5 metres away from others where possible and not shaking hands
- self-isolating if you are feeling unwell or suspect you may have coronavirus
"It is crucial that rural and remote Australians support each other, and their local health services, during this time.
"Following these simple tips will greatly assist in limiting the spread of coronavirus, and keep the health system available for those who really need it."
Across the world, there have been more than 174,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and more than 6800 deaths.
