Personal Protection

·       Place a surgical mask on the patient

·       Place patient in isolated room

·       Use standard plus contact plus droplet precautions including a disposable fluid resistant gown, gloves, surgical mask, and eye protection while reviewing the patient

·       Airborne precautions, i.e. N95 mask and eye protection must also be used while collecting specimens.

Seek Advice

·       Immediately contact your state/territory public health unit/communicable disease branch if you encounter a suspected case.

If following discussion it is decided that the patient does not require hospitalisation:

·       The local public health unit will provide advice on the exact specimens required for specialised testing to identify whether the patient has novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), the approved collection methods and equipment for collecting specimens and the protocols for handling, storage and transport to correct laboratory   

·       As a general rule collection of all three specimen types i.e., lower respiratory (sputum); upper respiratory (nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs); and serum specimens for testing is recommended for specialised testing

·       Also, request testing for alternative causes including for other respiratory pathogens that might also potentially explain the patient’s clinical presentation

·       Request a chest x-ray if clinically warranted. Please call ahead to notify radiology if this is a suspected case and ensure the patient is masked.

If following discussion it is decided that the patient does require hospitalisation:

·       Arrange transfer to the Isolation Centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital via the Emergency Ambulance Service. Please call ahead.