COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) Information
On this webpage you can find advice for GPs and community members on how to identify, manage and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please note that the situation in Australia with regards to novel coronavirus is changing continually and official local and national government sources will be able to provide the most up-to-date information.
National Vaccination Rollout Strategy
Australia’s COVID-19 Vaccine National Rollout Strategy identifies:
- priority populations for vaccination, and the phases in which vaccines will be provided in Australia
- details for how vaccines will reach frontline healthcare workers, quarantine and border workers, and aged and disability care residents and workers
- initial locations, across Australia, at which vaccines will be administered.
To view an adapted version of the roadmap flowchart (amended to show which group/s of health professionals are administering which type of vaccines), click here.
General information on the COVID-19 vaccines
- COVID-19 vaccines: health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines
-
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/pfizer/index.html
- TGA Information on COVID-19 vaccines: tga.gov.au/covid-19-vaccines
- HealthPathways COVID-19 Vaccine Information: sydneynorth.communityhealthpathways.org/835663.htm
- COVID-19 Vaccination in NSW – Fact Sheet for NSW Healthcare Workers: health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/covid-vaccination-health-workers.aspx
- The NSW Health Critical Intelligence Unit provides rapid, evidence-based advice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its operations focus on systems intelligence, clinical intelligence and evidence integration. Subscribe to the daily digest by emailing NSWH-CriticalIntelligenceUnit@health.nsw.gov.au.
- Translated vaccine resources from the Department of Health for multicultural communities: click here
- COVID-19 vaccine information in translated languages from the Department of Health: click here
- For information on COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant and breastfeeding women click here.
- For information about COVID-19 vaccines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples click here.
- For information about COVID-19 vaccines for people with a disability click here.
- For information about COVID-19 vaccines and people with chronic health conditions click here.
Training programs
- COVID-19 vaccine training program: health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/covid-19-vaccine-training-program
- COVID-19 vaccination training for health workers: https://openwho.org/courses/covid-19-vaccination-healthworkers-en
- Vaccine Storage and Cold Chain Management: heti.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/courses-and-programs/vaccine-storage-and-cold-chain-management-
- Immunisation Practice: benchmarquegroup.com.au/courses/immunisation-practice
- 307 Immunisation for Health Practitioners: acn.edu.au/education/307-immunisation-for-health-practitioners-hesa-accredited
- Accessing AIR using PRODA for Organisations: phnimmunise.org.au/assets/resources-public/Accessing-AIR-using-PRODA-Organisations-User-Guide-July-2020-V1-0.pdf
COVID-19 vaccine FAQs for health professionals and their patients:
- RACGP: www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/gp-opinion/commonly-asked-covid-questions-what-gps-need-to-kn
- SNHN: sydneynorthhealthnetwork.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/COVID-Vaccine-Q-and-A_Final_Jan-2021.pdf
- Department of Health: sydneynorthhealthnetwork.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/DoH-Healthcare-professionals-stakeholder-kit-27.01.21.pdf
- NSW Health: health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/covid-vaccination-faqs.aspx
- Australian product information for Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine (COMIRNATY™): click here
- Consumer information on Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine (COMIRNATY™): click here
- COVID-19 vaccination: After your COVID-19 vaccination
- COVID-19 vaccination decision guide for frail older people, including those in residential aged care facilities
For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccination process for GPs please visit:
Preparing for vaccination
- To assist in preparation, SNHN is offering all general practices (whether they are eligible or non-eligible at this stage) incentives for completing Quality Improvement activities – see information and resources below:
- General Practice Guidance for Phase 1B of the Vaccine Rollout (published by Commonwealth Department of Health)
- MBS COVID-19 Vaccine Suitability Assessment Service
- Immunisation providers should screen people before vaccination, obtain valid consent, and ensure that the correct equipment and procedures are in place before vaccination: see “Preparing for Vaccination” information in the Australian Immunisation Handbook
- Anaphylaxis: For GPs and practices undertaking vaccinations, before any vaccination session, check that you have the protocols, equipment and medicines to manage anaphylaxis. Please check you have an anaphylaxis response kit on hand. See anaphylaxis response kit link for what is required: immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/resources/publications/preparing-an-anaphylaxis-response-kit
- TGA Adverse Event Following Immunisation reporting form
- ASCIA Anaphylaxis Resources: allergy.org.au/hp/anaphylaxis
- COVID-19 vaccination: Consent form for COVID-19 vaccination
- COVID-19 vaccination: Preparing for COVID-19 vaccination
-
COVID-19 vaccination: ATAGI clinical guidance on COVID-19 Vaccine in Australia in 2021
Information for Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs)
Click here for an update from the Department of Health (3rd Feb 2021) about Australia’s COVID-19 vaccines for RACFs.
COVID-19 Health Pathways
The Sydney North HealthPathways team have completed a rapid localisation of the pathway Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Information. If you have not accessed HealthPathways before, or if you have any questions, please contact the HealthPathways Team: healthpathways@snhn.org.au
Supporting regulatory documents for COVID-19 AstraZeneca Vaccine
The provisional approval pathway provides a formal and transparent mechanism for speeding up the registration of promising new medicines with preliminary clinical data.
The following regulatory documents are made available as part of this process:
- Product Information (PI) (pdf,172kb)
- Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) (pdf,82kb)
- COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca Decision SummaryThe decision summary provides a short overview of the TGA’s evaluation process leading to the registration of a new prescription medicine on the ARTG.
- AusPAR: COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZenecaAn Australian Public Assessment Report (AusPAR) provides information about the evaluation of a prescription medicine and the considerations that led the TGA to approve or not approve a prescription medicine submission.
- Advisory Committee on Vaccines meeting statement, meeting 19, 3 February 2021An independent expert committee that provides advice on an application to register a new vaccine
- Therapeutic Goods (Poisons Standard) (COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca) Labelling Exemption 2021
Suspected adverse event following immunisation
Guidance on investigation or management support, and on reporting requirements for suspected adverse event following immunisation (AEFI), is available on the NSW Health COVID-19 vaccination website and through the NSW Immunisation Specialist Service (NSWISS) on 1800 679 477 (9am – 5pm).
AEFI are a notifiable condition under the NSW Public Health Act (2010). All uncommon, unexpected or serious AEFI, or any event considered by a clinician to be significant following immunisation, must be notified to the local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055 or by email to MOH-covidaefi@health.nsw.gov.au using the TGA AEFI case notification form.
Updated information and advice for health professionals
- NSW Health guidance (includes FAQs, clinical advice, resources and more)
- Australian Government Department of Health website
COVID-19 Infection Control Online Training
This is designed to provide training on protecting yourself and the people you are caring for from infection with COVID-19. The training takes approximately 30 minutes. Training is accessible here.
Supporting people with disabilities during COVID-19
- Helpline to assist health professionals to deliver care to people with a disability (diagnosed with COVID-19 or experiencing symptoms): call 1800 131 330 between 8am – 9pm (AEST), Monday to Friday. Calls will be answered by health professionals with disability service qualifications and experience working with people with disability. More info here.
- Department of Health factsheets
COVID-19 Vaccination for Aged Care Information
- COVID-19 vaccination – Aged care stakeholder kit: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/covid-19-vaccination-aged-care-stakeholder-kit
- COVID-19 vaccine aged care readiness toolkit: https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/covid-19-vaccine-aged-care-readiness-toolkit
- Reporting of clinical Incidents
Vaccine Operations Centre (VOC): 1800 318 208 (7 days, 7 am-10 pm AEDT) - Triaging and Directing Enquiries: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-triaging-process-for-aged-care-facilities
- Aged Care Staff Eligibility Factsheet: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-vaccination-staff-definition-for-phase-1a-inclusion-in-residential-aged-and-disability-care-facilities
- Guidance for monitoring side effects of COVID-19 vaccines: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-monitoring-and-reporting-side-effects
- COVID-19 vaccination decision guide for frail older people: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-covid-19-vaccination-decision-guide-for-frail-older-people-including-those-in-residential-aged-care-facilities
- Translated information: https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/covid-19-vaccine-information-in-your-language
COVID-19 outbreak preparation: Advice for GPs with patients in Aged Care Facilities
Click here to view the tip sheet. This document is the first in a series to support GPs working in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) and is designed to support involvement in RACF COVID-19 ou-break preparedness activities. It incorporates the expertise of a range of stakeholders including our local Emergency Response Outbreak Advisory Group GPs, Dr James Hardy and Prof Sue Kurrle, Geriatricians in Northern Sydney LHD.
COVID vaccinations in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs)
Process for Residents Developing COVID-19 Symptoms
During Regular Hours
Northern Sydney Local health District (NSLHD) mobile ‘Swab Team’ is available to attend Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) to complete COVID-19 swabbing. The ‘Swab Team’ can be contacted on 0438 613 273 during these hours:
- Monday to Sunday (7 days)
- 9am – 5pm
After Hours
Outside of these hours, NSLHD does not provide a mobile COVID-19 testing service.
If a RACF resident develops COVID-19 like symptoms outside of these hours, please implement the following recommendations:
-
- Contact the resident’s GP for medical advice and/or follow your usual after hours GP protocols.
- Isolate the resident and implement contact and droplet precautions.
- Utilise appropriate PPE.
- If the resident remains well enough to remain in the RACF, contact the ‘Swab Team’ at 9am the following day.
- If the resident becomes acutely unwell, requiring urgent medical attention, call an ambulance on 000 and advise that the resident is potentially COVID-19 positive.
Department of Health newsletter for aged care sector
This specific COVID-19-related newsletter ensures those in the aged care sector have access to best-practice information and resources. You can subscribe to the newsletter here or view web versions of past editions here.
Helping patients with Dementia navigate COVID-19
- To find out more click here.
- National Dementia Helpline, 1800 100 500 – for all health professionals supporting people living with dementia, and family carers in need of support during this difficult time.
Requesting PPE
Aged care providers can request PPE by sending an email to agedcareCOVIDPPE@health.gov.au
Further information on PPE for Aged Care providers can be found here.
Information for discharging new and returning residents
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/covid-19-discharging-residents.aspx
Flu Vaccination Information for Aged Care Facilities
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/Influenza/Pages/residential-care.aspx
Guidelines for Aged Care Facilities on COVID-19 outbreaks – Dept of Health
Secondary Triage – Update Information for Residential Aged Care Facility Health Workers
Secondary Triage – Information for Patients and Their Families
Palliative Care
Advance Care Planning during the time of COVID-19:
https://www.advancecareplanning.org.au/for-health-and-care-workers/covid-19-web#/
Caring at Home package for carers during Covid
Palliative care resources for GPs during COVID-19
https://www.caresearch.com.au/caresearch/tabid/5971/Default.aspx
NSW Health Pathology
https://www.pathology.health.nsw.gov.au/covid-19-info/covid-19-testing-information
Histopath
Douglass Hanly Moir
https://www.dhm.com.au/covid-19/collection-locations/self-collect/
Respiratory high-risk therapies
The NSW Government’s Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) has released some resources on the use of respiratory therapies that generate aerosolised particles. These therapies are capable of transmitting respiratory viruses including COVID-19. For this reason, they are considered high-risk.
The documents below provide some guidance around how to mitigate the risk of these therapies to keep people safe. There are also some alternatives that should be considered. These documents were informed by an evidence review, and developed by experts from the respiratory, intensive care, anaesthetics, paediatrics and infection control disciplines.
From 13 March 2020 to 31 March 2021, new temporary MBS telehealth items have been made available to help reduce the risk of community transmission of COVID-19 and provide protection for patients and health care providers.
- The list of telehealth services has continued to expand since 13 March. The latest factsheet provides details on all current telehealth items.
- The new temporary MBS telehealth items are available to GPs, medical practitioners, nurse practitioners, participating midwives and allied health providers.
- A service may only be provided by telehealth where it is safe and clinically appropriate to do so.
- From 6 April 2020, it is a legislative requirement that the new telehealth services must be bulk billed for Commonwealth concession card holders, children under 16 years old and patients who are more vulnerable to COVID-19.
- Health providers may apply their usual billing practices to the telehealth items for patients who do not fit the above criteria. Providers are expected to obtain informed financial consent from patients prior to providing the service; providing details regarding their fees, including any out-of-pocket costs.
- From 30 March 2020, the bulk billing incentive Medicare fees have doubled for items relating to General Practice, Diagnostic Imaging and Pathology services. These items can be claimed with the new temporary MBS telehealth items where appropriate. The new fees can be found on MBS Online.
We can help you set up telehealth technology in your practice
SNHN can help primary care practitioners and specialists get set up with a free, fit-for-purpose telehealth solution designed for health professionals. Email your query to digitalhealth@snhn.org.au
Temporary changes to locum tenens
The locum tenens period for health professionals is now 12 weeks. The Department of Health has temporarily extended the period to support the COVID-19 response. Click here for more information.
The Department of Health has issued a ‘Guide for Prescribers’ fact sheet, containing interim arrangements for prescriptions to support telehealth services.
It contains instructions on how to correctly send prescriptions to pharmacies via email, text message or fax, as well as other guidance on medicine delivery services, and existing prescriptions and repeats.
NSW Government My Health Learning Videos
These videos are divided into the three categories of airborne, contact and droplet precautions. Click here to watch.
Department of Health: Guidance on use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in non-inpatient healthcare setting during the COVID-19 outbreak
Video series: how to use personal protective equipment (PPE)
The RACGP has released a handy series of short videos on using personal protective equipment. See below:
You can view the full version here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG0iDJGKUmc&t=42s (7 mins)
Mask-fitting guidelines
Using PPE in aged care
This flowchart outlines when and how aged care workers should wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect themselves and others against coronavirus (COVID-19): https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-when-to-use-personal-protective-equipment-in-aged-care
Advice on wearing masks in the community
The NSW Government is strongly encouraging greater use of masks in high-risk public settings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The advice from the NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant specifically recommends:
- the use of face masks in indoor settings where physical distancing is hard to maintain, such as on public transport or in supermarkets
- the use of face masks (where practical) in indoor settings with a higher risk of transmission, such as for the staff of hospitality and customer-facing venues i.e. cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs
- during attendance at places of worship.
For more information, click here.
Distribution of masks through Primary Health Networks
Primary Health Networks have been given the role of distributing masks to practices with demonstrated need, including:
- where there is no local supply available commercially
- where practices have a population, which may be more likely to have been exposed to the novel coronavirus
- where practices have an unusual number of patients presenting with respiratory symptoms
Eligibility:
- GP respiratory clinics
- General practices
- Community pharmacies
- After-hours GP home visiting services
- Medical deputising services
- Nurse practitioner-owned or -led primary care practices
- Allied health
Community pharmacies are eligible to access the supply for the use of their staff when there is no available commercial supply and they have significant contact with people presenting with fever or respiratory symptoms.
Allied health professionals are eligible for limited access to the supply for the use of their staff, where there is no available commercial supply and they are working in higher-risk clinical areas and with higher-risk vulnerable patients. Primary Health Networks have been given a one-off supply of surgical masks for this purpose. See also guidance for PHNs for distribution of PPE to allied health professionals.
Advice for residential aged care facilities. If Commonwealth funded aged care providers are experiencing shortages and are unable to obtain masks from any other source may be eligible to request a small supply from the National Stockpile by emailing AgedCareCOVIDPPE@health.gov.au.
For more information, please refer to the latest guidance for the distribution of masks through Primary Health Networks.
Eligible practices, clinics and pharmacies can use the order form below to request a small supply of masks.
Please note: Sydney North Health Network has only been supplied with surgical and P2 masks for distribution across Northern Sydney. We are unable to supply hand sanitiser, gowns, gloves or goggles.
Mask Request Form
Sydney North Health Network has received supplies of masks from two different sources:
- Surgical and P2 masks from the National Medical Stockpile
- Donation of surgical masks from the Society for Health Administration Programs in Education (SHAPE)
Sydney North Health Network would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Society for Health Administration Programs in Education (SHAPE) for their generous donation of masks in response to COVID-19. We thank SHAPE for supporting our healthcare community in this time of need. Please refer to our disclaimer on donated masks for details.
Do I need to get tested for COVID-19?
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should get tested.
People with coronavirus may experience any of the following:
- fever
- cough
- tiredness (fatigue)
- sore throat
- shortness of breath
- loss of taste or
- loss of smell.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms you can:
- call your GP
- call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or use the Healthdirect symptom checker here
- visit a respiratory clinic (see details below)
- visit a NSW Health COVID-19 clinic (see details below)
- In an emergency dial 000
You can use the healthdirect online Coronavirus Symptom Checker tool at the bottom of this section to find out what, if any, actions you need to take to protect yourself and your community.
COVID-19 testing options: what are the differences?
From Respiratory Clinics to self-collection test kits at home, click here to find out which testing option is best for you.
Where can I get tested?
| Suburb | Organisation | Address | Opening hours | Days | Referral required - Y/N | Phone | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avalon | Avalon Bowling Club (Laverty Drive-Through Clinic) | 4 Bowling Green Ln, Avalon Beach | 8am – 10pm | Open 7 days | N | ||
| Avalon | Careel Bay Laverty Pathology Drive through Clinic | Careel Bay Playing Fields car park Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach, NSW, 2107 | 8am - 6pm | 7 days | N | ||
| Beecroft | Beecroft Respiratory Clinic | Shop 8a, Beecroft Village Arcade, 6-8 Hannah St, Beecroft | 8am - 1pm | Mon - Fri | Y | 9484 1552 | Appointment only |
| Brookvale | Warriewood Histopath Drive through | Rat Park, 1472 Pittwater Road, Brookvale | 8am to 10pm | Open 7 days | N | ||
| Brookvale | Brookvale Community Health Centre | 612-624 Pittwater Road, Brookvale | 8am to 10pm | Open 7 days | N | ||
| Chatswood | 4Cyte Chatswood | Shop 11, Ground Floor, 427-441, Victoria Avenue, Chatswood | 8am - 4pm Mon - Fri 9am - 1pm Sat - Sun | Mon - Fri: 8am - 4pm Sat - Sun: 9am - 1pm | Y | Do not leave car, call on arrival 0435 385 385 | |
| Cromer | Cromer Park Histopath Drive-through Pathology | 120 South Creek Rd, Cromer, NSW | 9am - 4pm | 7 days | |||
| Dee Why | Dee Why GP led respiratory clinic | Ground Floor, 5 Mooramba Rd, Dee Why | 8am - 5pm, Mon - Fri (except Thurs) Thurs: 8:30am - 5pm | 8am - 5pm, Mon - Fri (except Thurs) Thurs: 8:30am - 5pm | N | 02 8416 5005 | Call 8416 5005 if unable to book online |
| Frenchs Forest | Warringah Aquatic Centre Drive through | 1 Aquatic Drive, Frenchs Forest | 8am - 5pm | Open 7 days | N | ||
| Frenchs Forest | Northern Beaches Hospital | 105 Frenchs Forest Road (West), Frenchs Forest (Rear of Emergency Department) | 8am - 5pm | Open 7 days | N | ||
| Frenchs Forest | Frenchs Forest 4Cyte Pathology Drive through | Rear car park, 4, Russell Avenue, Frenchs Forest | 8am - 6pm, Mon - Fri 8am - 2pm, Sat - Sun | 8am - 6pm, Mon - Fri 8am - 2pm, Sat - Sun | N | 13 42 98 | |
| Frenchs Forest | Frenchs Forest MedLab Pathology | 8 Hilmer Street, Frenchs Forest | 8am - 4pm, Mon - Fri 9am - 12pm on Sat 8am - 11am on Sun | 8am - 4pm, Mon - Fri 9am - 12pm on Sat 8am - 11am on Sun | N | 02 8745 6500 | |
| Frenchs Forest | Frenchs Forest Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology | 5 Forest Way, 2086, Frenchs Forest | 8am - 4pm, Mon - Fri | 8am - 4pm, Mon - Fri | Y | 1800 026 622 or (02) 9451 6962 | Appointment required |
| Killara | Killara Histopath Drive through | 28 Stanhope Road, Killara | 9am - 4pm | 7 days | N | 02 9878 8111 | |
| Manly | Manly Histopath Drive through and walk in | Old Manly Hospital, 150 Darley Road, Manly | 9am - 4pm | 7 days | N | 02 9878 8111 | |
| Mona Vale | Mona Vale Hospital | Gate 3, Coronation Street, Mona Vale | Open 24 hours | Open 7 days | N | ||
| Mona Vale | Mona Vale 4Cyte Pathology | 61 Darley Street, 2130, Mona Vale | 8am - 8pm, Mon - Thurs. Closed Fridays. 8am - 8pm Sat to Sun. | 8am - 8pm, Mon - Thurs. Closed Fridays. 8am - 8pm Sat to Sun. | N | ||
| Narrabeen | North Narrabeen Clinical Labs Pathology Drive through Clinic | 1416 Pittwater Road, Narrabeen | 10am - 4pm | Mon - Fri | N | 13 93 55 | |
| Newport | Newport pop up clinic | Newport Community Centre, 11-13 The Boulevard, Newport | 8am to 10pm | Open 7 days | N | ||
| Newport | Newport Surf Club ACL Drive through Pathology Clinic | 394 Barranjoey Road, Newport, NSW, 2106 | 8am - 10pm | 7 days | Y | 1300 134 111 | |
| North Ryde | Ryde Respiratory Clinic | New location from 19th Feb 2021: 39 Delhi Road North Ryde 2113 (Behind Trinity Business Park, entrance via Rivett Road) | 8am - 9pm | 7 days | N | 9216 7676 | |
| North Ryde | Macquarie Park DHM Drive through | 95 Epping Road, North Ryde | 8am - 4.15pm Mon - Fri 8.30am - 3.30pm Sat | 8am - 4.15pm Mon - Fri 8.30am - 3.30pm Sat | N | Not available for children under 5 | |
| North Ryde | North Ryde 4Cyte | Undercover car park, Lower Ground Floor, 1, Lucknow Road, North Ryde | Mon-Fri: 8am - 6pm Sat: 9am - 5pm Sun: 10am - 4pm | Mon-Fri: 8am - 6pm Sat: 9am - 5pm Sun: 10am - 4pm | N | ||
| North Ryde | North Ryde Laverty Drive through | 60 Waterloo Road, North Ryde | Mon-Fri: 7.30am - 6.00pm Sat-Sun: 8.00am - 4pm | Mon-Fri: 7.30am - 6.00pm Sat-Sun: 8.00am - 4pm | N | All ages | |
| Palm Beach | Palm Beach Laverty Pathology Drive-through Clinic | Governor Phillip Park Car Park Entry off Beach Rd, Palm Beach | 8am-10pm, 7 days. Usual operating hours over the Christmas period. | 8am-10pm, 7 days. Usual operating hours over the Christmas period. | N | ||
| Roseville | Northshore Roseville Respiratory clinic | 132 Pacific Highway, Roseville | Mon-Fri: 8am - 4pm Sat: 8am - 12pm | Mon-Fri: 8am - 4pm Sat: 8am - 12pm | N | 02 9416 9742 | Appointment required |
| St Ives | St Ives Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology Drive through | St Ives Showground, 450, Mona Vale Road, St Ives | 8am - 4pm | 7 days | N | 02 9988 4776 | |
| Turramurra | Turramurra, Hillview Community Centre | 1334 Pacific Highway, Turramurra | 8am - 4pm | Mon - Fri | N | 02 9024 9000 | |
| West Pennant Hills | West Pennant Hills Histopath Drive through | 55 Coonara Avenue, West Pennant Hills | 9am - 4pm | 7 days | N | 02 9878 8111 |
HotDoc
HotDoc has provided detailed instructions on how you can create a coronavirus alert message to your online bookings profile to ensure thorough triage protocols are used during this heightened time. Visit: https://support.hotdoc.com.au/hc/en-gb/articles/360038868532-Creating-an-alert-message-for-an-emerging-health-concern.
HealthEngine
Practices who use HealthEngine for appointment bookings are encouraged to update their initial booking message to request patients call their GP, Emergency Department or healthdirect for advice before attending if they have symptoms and meet the criteria that could indicate novel coronavirus.
To update this message, practices need to log into their HealthEngine profile, go to Practice Admin Settings, click on Practice Policy and from here the first message that potential patients see can be customised with this information. If you need more information or would like additional support, please contact HealthEngine directly on the following phone number: 1300 377 639.
Docbook
The Docbook team is able to implement alerts for your practice by request. Please contact them at info@doctorbook.com.au with the exact text that you would like displayed and they can implement this for you.
COVID-19 vaccination – COVID-19 vaccine overview – Easy Read
COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effect Checker
Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination program will commence with priority population groups, find out more about the national roll-out strategy here.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration have created a COVID-19 vaccine information page for consumers and health professionals which answers common questions about how the TGA assesses and monitors a vaccine for safety, quality and effectiveness.
For information on priority groups and when you will receive the COVID-19 vaccine click here.
For information on what to do before you get vaccinated click here.
For information on COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant and breastfeeding women click here.
For information about COVID-19 vaccines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples click here.
For information about COVID-19 vaccines for people with a disability click here.
For information about COVID-19 vaccines and people with chronic health conditions click here.
For information about COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination decisions for frail older people click here.
Translated vaccine resources from the Department of Health for multicultural communities: click here
Where can I find trusted sources of information?
Whilst media coverage of COVID-19 can help you feel informed, it can also trigger feelings of anxiety and agitation. To stay up to date with accurate, factual information you can access:
- NSW Government COVID-19 webpage: gov.au/covid-19
- Service NSW App (available in the Apple App Store or Google Play)
- The Australian Government Department of Health Coronavirus Australia App (available in the Apple App Store or Google Play)
- The Australian Government’s WhatsApp channel on iOS or Android for official advice and information in real-time
- Australian Government Department of Health website: health.gov.au
Sometimes the information provided by the NSW Ministry of Health and Australian Government Department of Health may differ. This is because the NSW Government provides information specifically for NSW, which has the highest number of confirmed cases of COVID-19. The Australian Government provides information which is relevant for the whole of Australia – as a result, their messages may not be identical.
Multilingual Resources
NSW Health COVID-19 Information and resources in languages other than English
COVID-19 in-language resources from NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service
Translated resources for health workers and communities
Information from the Australian Government in your language Find information on health, education, business and financial support, visas and the border during the COVID-19 pandemic.
SBS Radio Coronavirus Information in Your Language
Australian Government Department of Health COVID-19 Fact Sheets
COVID-19 – What you need to know
COVID-19 – Information on social distancing
COVID-19 – Information about routine environmental cleaning and disinfection in the community
NSW Health and Australian Government Department of Health Information
NSW Health Novel coronavirus FAQs
Australian Government Department of Health Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Information
Healthdirect
healthdirect website coronavirus (COVID-19) hub – first point of reference for reliable information about COVID-19
healthdirect Symptom Checker – an online tool that allows people to check their symptoms using a simple self-guided process.
Supporting people with disabilities during COVID-19
Person-centred emergency preparedness planning for COVID-19
- information on how to assist people with disability in planning for how they will manage the impacts of the pandemic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) hospital companion for people with disability
- information on how to assist a person with disability if they need to go to hospital
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Information for Families
- information for families of a person with intellectual or developmental disability during the COVID-19 pandemic
Information for Disability Support Providers and Workers
- information and guidance for disability support providers and workers who provide health care to people with intellectual or developmental disability
Guide to personal protective equipment (PPE) for disability care providers
- information and guidance for disability care providers on the use of PPE
- information on who should be tested, where testing can be done, and how to explain the testing process to a person with disability
Do I need to get tested for COVID-19?
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should get tested.
People with coronavirus may experience any of the following:
- fever
- cough
- tiredness (fatigue)
- sore throat
- shortness of breath
- loss of taste or
- loss of smell.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms you can:
- call your GP
- call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or use the Healthdirect symptom checker here
- visit a respiratory clinic (see details below)
- visit a NSW Health COVID-19 clinic (see details below)
- In an emergency dial 000
You can use the healthdirect online Coronavirus Symptom Checker tool at the bottom of this section to find out what, if any, actions you need to take to protect yourself and your community.
COVID-19 testing options: what are the differences?
From Respiratory Clinics to self-collection test kits at home, click here to find out which testing option is best for you.
Where can I get tested?
| Suburb | Organisation | Address | Opening hours | Days | Referral required - Y/N | Phone | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avalon | Avalon Bowling Club (Laverty Drive-Through Clinic) | 4 Bowling Green Ln, Avalon Beach | 8am – 10pm | Open 7 days | N | ||
| Avalon | Careel Bay Laverty Pathology Drive through Clinic | Careel Bay Playing Fields car park Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach, NSW, 2107 | 8am - 6pm | 7 days | N | ||
| Beecroft | Beecroft Respiratory Clinic | Shop 8a, Beecroft Village Arcade, 6-8 Hannah St, Beecroft | 8am - 1pm | Mon - Fri | Y | 9484 1552 | Appointment only |
| Brookvale | Warriewood Histopath Drive through | Rat Park, 1472 Pittwater Road, Brookvale | 8am to 10pm | Open 7 days | N | ||
| Brookvale | Brookvale Community Health Centre | 612-624 Pittwater Road, Brookvale | 8am to 10pm | Open 7 days | N | ||
| Chatswood | 4Cyte Chatswood | Shop 11, Ground Floor, 427-441, Victoria Avenue, Chatswood | 8am - 4pm Mon - Fri 9am - 1pm Sat - Sun | Mon - Fri: 8am - 4pm Sat - Sun: 9am - 1pm | Y | Do not leave car, call on arrival 0435 385 385 | |
| Cromer | Cromer Park Histopath Drive-through Pathology | 120 South Creek Rd, Cromer, NSW | 9am - 4pm | 7 days | |||
| Dee Why | Dee Why GP led respiratory clinic | Ground Floor, 5 Mooramba Rd, Dee Why | 8am - 5pm, Mon - Fri (except Thurs) Thurs: 8:30am - 5pm | 8am - 5pm, Mon - Fri (except Thurs) Thurs: 8:30am - 5pm | N | 02 8416 5005 | Call 8416 5005 if unable to book online |
| Frenchs Forest | Warringah Aquatic Centre Drive through | 1 Aquatic Drive, Frenchs Forest | 8am - 5pm | Open 7 days | N | ||
| Frenchs Forest | Northern Beaches Hospital | 105 Frenchs Forest Road (West), Frenchs Forest (Rear of Emergency Department) | 8am - 5pm | Open 7 days | N | ||
| Frenchs Forest | Frenchs Forest 4Cyte Pathology Drive through | Rear car park, 4, Russell Avenue, Frenchs Forest | 8am - 6pm, Mon - Fri 8am - 2pm, Sat - Sun | 8am - 6pm, Mon - Fri 8am - 2pm, Sat - Sun | N | 13 42 98 | |
| Frenchs Forest | Frenchs Forest MedLab Pathology | 8 Hilmer Street, Frenchs Forest | 8am - 4pm, Mon - Fri 9am - 12pm on Sat 8am - 11am on Sun | 8am - 4pm, Mon - Fri 9am - 12pm on Sat 8am - 11am on Sun | N | 02 8745 6500 | |
| Frenchs Forest | Frenchs Forest Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology | 5 Forest Way, 2086, Frenchs Forest | 8am - 4pm, Mon - Fri | 8am - 4pm, Mon - Fri | Y | 1800 026 622 or (02) 9451 6962 | Appointment required |
| Killara | Killara Histopath Drive through | 28 Stanhope Road, Killara | 9am - 4pm | 7 days | N | 02 9878 8111 | |
| Manly | Manly Histopath Drive through and walk in | Old Manly Hospital, 150 Darley Road, Manly | 9am - 4pm | 7 days | N | 02 9878 8111 | |
| Mona Vale | Mona Vale Hospital | Gate 3, Coronation Street, Mona Vale | Open 24 hours | Open 7 days | N | ||
| Mona Vale | Mona Vale 4Cyte Pathology | 61 Darley Street, 2130, Mona Vale | 8am - 8pm, Mon - Thurs. Closed Fridays. 8am - 8pm Sat to Sun. | 8am - 8pm, Mon - Thurs. Closed Fridays. 8am - 8pm Sat to Sun. | N | ||
| Narrabeen | North Narrabeen Clinical Labs Pathology Drive through Clinic | 1416 Pittwater Road, Narrabeen | 10am - 4pm | Mon - Fri | N | 13 93 55 | |
| Newport | Newport pop up clinic | Newport Community Centre, 11-13 The Boulevard, Newport | 8am to 10pm | Open 7 days | N | ||
| Newport | Newport Surf Club ACL Drive through Pathology Clinic | 394 Barranjoey Road, Newport, NSW, 2106 | 8am - 10pm | 7 days | Y | 1300 134 111 | |
| North Ryde | Ryde Respiratory Clinic | New location from 19th Feb 2021: 39 Delhi Road North Ryde 2113 (Behind Trinity Business Park, entrance via Rivett Road) | 8am - 9pm | 7 days | N | 9216 7676 | |
| North Ryde | Macquarie Park DHM Drive through | 95 Epping Road, North Ryde | 8am - 4.15pm Mon - Fri 8.30am - 3.30pm Sat | 8am - 4.15pm Mon - Fri 8.30am - 3.30pm Sat | N | Not available for children under 5 | |
| North Ryde | North Ryde 4Cyte | Undercover car park, Lower Ground Floor, 1, Lucknow Road, North Ryde | Mon-Fri: 8am - 6pm Sat: 9am - 5pm Sun: 10am - 4pm | Mon-Fri: 8am - 6pm Sat: 9am - 5pm Sun: 10am - 4pm | N | ||
| North Ryde | North Ryde Laverty Drive through | 60 Waterloo Road, North Ryde | Mon-Fri: 7.30am - 6.00pm Sat-Sun: 8.00am - 4pm | Mon-Fri: 7.30am - 6.00pm Sat-Sun: 8.00am - 4pm | N | All ages | |
| Palm Beach | Palm Beach Laverty Pathology Drive-through Clinic | Governor Phillip Park Car Park Entry off Beach Rd, Palm Beach | 8am-10pm, 7 days. Usual operating hours over the Christmas period. | 8am-10pm, 7 days. Usual operating hours over the Christmas period. | N | ||
| Roseville | Northshore Roseville Respiratory clinic | 132 Pacific Highway, Roseville | Mon-Fri: 8am - 4pm Sat: 8am - 12pm | Mon-Fri: 8am - 4pm Sat: 8am - 12pm | N | 02 9416 9742 | Appointment required |
| St Ives | St Ives Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology Drive through | St Ives Showground, 450, Mona Vale Road, St Ives | 8am - 4pm | 7 days | N | 02 9988 4776 | |
| Turramurra | Turramurra, Hillview Community Centre | 1334 Pacific Highway, Turramurra | 8am - 4pm | Mon - Fri | N | 02 9024 9000 | |
| West Pennant Hills | West Pennant Hills Histopath Drive through | 55 Coonara Avenue, West Pennant Hills | 9am - 4pm | 7 days | N | 02 9878 8111 |
It is important to ensure you are still taking care of your health during this unprecedented time. GPs and Allied Health Practitioners are here for you during COVID-19.
Practices are taking extra measures to ensure patient welfare, so it is still safe to visit your GP, Physio, Podiatrist or Dietician.
If you have a chronic disease, or if you are concerned about a change to your health, you must visit a health professional.
You can contact your local practice to book a face-to-face appointment or arrange a telehealth consultation over the phone.
The following videos have been designed to provide you with further information about using health care services during COVID-19.
It is safe to return to your GPs, specialists, allied health professionals and hospitals during this time to receive regular healthcare.
Geriatrician, Professor Sue Kurrle, tells us why older Australians should look after their health in the times of COVID-19. It is safe to return to your GPs, specialists, allied health professionals and hospitals during this time to receive regular healthcare.
RACGP President, Dr Harry Nespolon shares the importance of maintaining your healthcare appointments during COVID-19.
Clinical and Counselling Psychologist, Ros Knight, shares the importance of looking after your physical and mental health in the times of COVID-19.
Local GP, Professor Simon Willcock shares the importance of maintaining your regular health check-ups during COVID-19.
What is it?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified.
Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was discovered in China in late 2019 when number of people in the province of Wuhan sought medical advice for pneumonia-like symptoms. When tested by doctors, it was discovered that these individuals had developed a strain of coronavirus that hadn’t been seen before.
What are the symptoms?
Coronavirus symptoms include fever, flu-like symptoms (coughing, sore throat, head aches) and difficulty breathing. Severity can range from from mild illness to pneumonia.
Experts believe that this outbreak is likely to have originated in an animal species and spread to humans. Some countries, including Australia, have reported human-to-human transmission.
How is it spread?
Human coronaviruses are spread from someone with confirmed coronavirus to other close contacts with that person through contaminated droplets spread by coughing or sneezing, or by contact with contaminated hands, surfaces or objects.
To help stop the spread of COVID-19 everyone should:
- Find out what you can and can’t do in NSW under the new laws.
- Practice good hygiene measures
– make sure you clean your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub
– cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or a flexed elbow
– avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms
– clean and disinfect your home or business to help to prevent the virus from spreading from contaminated surfaces
– stay at home if you feel unwell or are experiencing any symptoms - Practice social distancing – You should stay at least 1.5m away from others. Avoid physical greetings of any kind such as hugs or handshakes. Read more here.
- Wear a mask in some situations – The NSW Government is strongly encouraging greater use of masks in high-risk public settings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The advice from the NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant specifically recommends:
-
- the use of face masks in indoor settings where physical distancing is hard to maintain, such as on public transport or in supermarkets
- the use of face masks (where practical) in indoor settings with a higher risk of transmission, such as for the staff of hospitality and customer-facing venues i.e. cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs
- during attendance at places of worship.
For a quick guide on how to wear a mask, click here. (NB: this resource is available on 67 other languages here.)
-
Some people should:
- Self-isolate – If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 you must separate yourself from other people to prevent the spread of the virus for 14 days. Click here for more information on self-isolating.
- Self-quarantine – If there is potential that you are carrying the virus because you have returned from overseas or have been in contact with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19 you must also avoid contact with other people for 14 days.
Find information on self-quarantining if you have been overseas
Self-quarantining information if you are a close contact of a confirmed case
If you have been identified as a contact of a person with confirmed COVID-19 infection in Australia, the local public health unit will contact you with advice. You need to isolate yourself at home for 14 days after contact with the infected person, and to monitor your health and report any symptoms.
Person-to-person spread of coronaviruses generally occurs between people who are close contacts with one another. A close contact is typically someone who has been face to face for at least 15 minutes, or been in the same closed space for at least 2 hours, with a person that was infectious. The public health unit will keep in touch with people who are close contacts of patients with COVID-19 infection. If any symptoms develop contacts must call the public health unit to report those symptoms.
Click here for NSW Government advice on who needs to self-isolate, and how.
More information about home isolation is available for:
Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
Many aspects of life are affected by a pandemic. Most people have little experience of an event like COVID-19 and it can be quite overwhelming when your health, social life, employment and financial situation are impacted. It is important to look after your mental health during this time. You can do this by:
- Spending time outside during the day if possible – fresh air and daylight will help you sleep and improve your overall mood.
- While it’s normal to feel anxious or uncertain during this time, you can seek help if these feelings start to affect your everyday functioning. There are a number of free support services, resources and mobile apps available:
- Way2Wellness
- Head to Health
- Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service (BeyondBlue): support via phone, web chat, community forum, and suicide & crisis support
- Black Dog Institute
- Time 2 Talk: 1300 022 966 Free telephone support service for members of the NSW community around a range of COVID-19 related challenges relating to individuals, couples, families, and households. Time 2 Talk is a telephone service staffed by a team of qualified relationship counsellors and social workers.
- Clevertar (Available on Apple iStore or Google Play)
- Headspace: Meditation and sleep (Available on Apple iStore or Google Play)
- Smiling Mind (Available on Apple iStore or Google Play)
- If you know children or a young people who are feeling concerned by the situation, this 6-minute video from SchoolTV can help your family feel informed.
- Listen to the COVID-19: Fear and Anxiety SoundCloud panel discussion from Sydney Ideas (The University of Sydney)
- COVID-19 – Look after your mental health during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic document
Also available in Arabic, Armenian, Assyrian, Bangla, Burmese, Croatian, Dari, Dinka, Farsi, French, Greek, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Kurdish-Kurmanji, lao, Macedonian, Mongolian, Nepali, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Serbian, Spanish. Swahili, Tamil, Traditional Chinese, Thai, Turkish, Urdu,Vietnamese - Remember – stay on top of the facts, but limit your exposure to the hype!
Physical care
Nutrition
- Eating balanced, nutritious meals will help your immune system defend itself, as well as recover if you become unwell.
- Limit your intake of sugary food, drinks and alcohol to help improve your body’s immune system. Read more about the importance of moderating alcohol consumption.
- Drink plenty of water to maintain your hydration levels
- For more information on nutrition and COVID-19, see:
Exercise
Although it is may be more challenging to stay fit when self-quarantining, daily exercise is critical to overall physical and mental health. You could take up running, yoga, or other home workouts. There are many free online guides and mobile apps to guide you through home workouts. Some of these include:
- Home workouts from accredited exercise professionals
- How to stay fit and active at home during the coronavirus self-isolation
- Exercise at home for over 50s, 60s, 70s and older
What if I need to see a doctor?
If you need to see a doctor, call (don’t visit) your local practice. The staff will help you decide whether you require a face-to-face consultation, or a consultation over the phone or by video (‘telehealth’).
- Telehealth is designed to protect you, your GP and the wider community by reducing the number of people visiting GP waiting rooms, where the virus could potentially spread
- If you have symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, headache, cough, sore throat or muscle aches, your doctor may refer you to a Respiratory Clinic or an Emergency Department. If you need a prescription your doctor will send this directly to your local pharmacy where you can collect it, or your pharmacy may be able to deliver to your home.
The Home Medicines Service is available for people in home isolation and for vulnerable patient groups who wish to limit their potential exposure to novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the community. For more information click here.
What if I need to see a dentist?
As coronavirus restictions are eased and dental practices open up for the full range of dental procedures once again, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) is reminding people to book an appointment with their dentist.
To find out more, read the ADA’s media release here.
Accessing support services during COVID-19
Community feedback
Do you have a ‘good news’ story about your community? If so, the Community Engagement Team at SNHN would love to hear from you. Perhaps a local business is supporting the vulnerable or you know someone who is going ‘above and beyond’ to help others. Email your story and any accompanying photographs to Community@snhn.org.au
- Older or vulnerable people can contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit nsw.gov.au/. This service provided daily check-in phone calls and can assist with making arrangements for grocery shopping, medication and other tasks if needed.
- As this is a difficult time for local businesses, consider checking in with business owners. If you (or someone you know) are experiencing difficulties with your business due to COVID-19, you can access a number of support resources:
Breast cancer screening: Following a temporary suspension of services to protect the community, BreastScreen NSW will now gradually resume routine breast screening. Find out more at the BreastScreen NSW website.
Cervical cancer screening: The Department of Health is monitoring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health services. It is important for people to keep seeing their healthcare provider for their cervical screening and any follow-up investigations recommended. If you have received a reminder about your screening and have any questions or concerns, please call your doctor or healthcare provider to talk about your circumstances. More information on COVID-19 is available through the Department of Health website or through the COVID-19 hotline on 1800 020 080.
Bowel cancer screening: During COVID-19, people eligible for bowel cancer screening will still receive invitations, test kits and reminder correspondence about bowel screening in the mail (as long as the mail is being delivered in your area). If you have a test kit at home, you should still do the test. For more details, read the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program COVID-19 FAQs. If you have any questions or concerns, please call your doctor or healthcare provider to talk about your circumstances. More information on COVID-19 is available through the Department of Health website or through the COVID-19 hotline on 1800 020 080.