COVID-19 update – 6 January 2021

6 January 2021

More COVID testing needed

As Greater Sydney continues to record cases of community transmission it is crucial we all remain vigilant:

• minimise exposure to people with respiratory infection by judicious screening and triage,
• make appropriate use of telehealth,
• maintain good hygiene practice and appropriate use of PPE

Test early and often:

• Refer anyone presenting with even the mildest RTI symptoms or any other symptoms consistent with COVID-19 for COVID-19 testing.
• Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath (difficulty breathing), runny nose, loss of smell and loss of taste.
• Other reported symptoms consistent with COVID-19 include fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, headache, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.

With even the slightest respiratory, or other potential COVID symptoms:

• arrange COVID testing without fail: Testing clinic hours and locations
• send any who are unwell and require assessment to your local GP respiratory clinic
• always remind patients that have been tested for COVID-19 that they must self-isolate while awaiting their results.

Changes to COVID testing clinics

There have been some changes to COVID-19 testing clinics including operating hours. The Homebush clinic at Bressington Park has moved to Sydney Olympic Park from today. The clinics at Rozelle, Roselands drive through, Central Station and Redfern have temporarily closed and will re-open on 11 January. A pop-up clinic has been established in Campsie and will remain operational until Sunday 10 January.

For an updated list of COVID testing clinic opening hours check here:
https://www.cesphn.org.au/coronavirus#testing

Access to masks

Surgical masks have been supplied in limited numbers to PHNs for general practice, community pharmacies, GP respiratory clinics, after hours GP home visiting services, medical deputising services and allied health professionals working in higher risk clinical areas who are exposed to at risk customers.

To register your request for surgical masks please complete this form: Mask Request Form (CESPHN). 

COVID hotspots in our region

Keep checking the NSW Health website for COVID-19 case locations as these are constantly changing. The following locations within our region are included on the list:

Ashfield Bunnings Ashfield, Monday 28 December 2020

Balmain Balmain Post Office, Tuesday 22 December 2020

Bardwell Park Earlwood Bardwell Park RSL Monday 28 December 2020

Belfield Mancini’s Pizza @ Belfield Thursday 24 December 2020

Bondi Bondi Icebergs Club (Pool Deck Level) Monday 21 December 2020
Sunday 20 December 2020

Burwood Santa Claus Photo Booth Tuesday 22 December 2020

Campsie Cincotta Discount Chemist Campsie Monday 28 December 2020

Centennial Park The Ian Potter Children’s Wild Play Garden, Centennial Park Tuesday 22 December 2020

Croydon Park Martin Reserve Sunday 27 December 2020

Drummoyne Zeus Street Greek Tuesday 22 December 2020

Haberfield Australian Motor Traders 29 December 2020

Haberfield Clark Rubber Haberfield Monday 28 December 2020

Kogarah Hariri Chickens Thursday 31 December 2020

Pagewood Woolworths – Eastgardens Shopping Centre Friday 1 January 2021
Wednesday 30 December 2020

Punchbowl Officeworks Punchbowl Monday 21 December 2020
Tuesday 29 December 2020

Rhodes Priceline Pharmacy Rhodes Thursday 24 December 2020

Sydney Culture Kings Monday 28 December 2020

Sydney QVB – Level 3 – Santa Photos Wednesday 23 December 2020

Better access to mental health support for aged care residents:

The Australia Government recently expanded access for aged care residents to Medicare subsidised individual psychological services.

Up until 30 June 2022, aged care residents can access up to 20 individual psychological services per calendar year where their GP or psychiatrist determines they would clinically benefit from additional mental health support.

For more information on Better Access for aged care residents, go to the Department of Health’s website. 

See here for the corresponding MBS item numbers.