COVID-19

You should consider how your practice will continue to reduce the risk of COVID-19.  

Consider safety measures such as: 

• screening staff, contractors, customers and other visitors to the workplace for COVID-19 symptoms 

• keeping accurate and up-to-date employee timesheets and records of attendance at the workplace, such as through a virtual or physical sign-in 

• maintaining up-to-date contact details for employees, so you can let them know to watch out for symptoms if a colleague gets COVID-19 

• appropriate use of personal protective equipment for staff exposed to close contact with patients displaying COVID-19 symptoms 

• implementing physical resources to reduce close contact with patients displaying symptoms of COVID-19 such as personal protective equipment, installing screen barriers and hand cleaning stations at reception, displaying correct hand washing procedures and hand sanitiser in bathroom facilities 

• regular cleaning and disinfection of the practice in accordance with current guidelines 

• consider if the natural and mechanical air ventilation strategies could be improved.  

Stay up to date on health alerts, health advice, vaccination, testing, face masks and proof of vaccination relevant to Queensland. The information provides information for: 

• First Nations people 

• pregnant women, children and parents 

• multicultural communities 

• people with a disability and carers 

• older Queenslanders 

• managing COVID-19 in workplaces. 

 Find out more here. 

Since February 2020, general practice has underpinned Australia’s response to COVID-19. At NQPHN, we have been privileged to collaborate with the primary care sector during the COVID-19 pandemic response.

The COVID-19 GP, ACCHOs, and GP-led Respiratory Clinics Response Review (Feb 2020-June 2022) is an opportunity for NQPHN to say thank you to the general practices, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), and other primary care providers for the dedication and hard work they have provided to help northern Queenslanders stay safe and live happier, healthier, longer lives during the pandemic.

HealthPathways contains the most up to date information on support for COVID-19 patients.

Your local COVID-19 Case Management HealthPathway is available for clinicians to provide clinical guidance on the assessment, triage and management of COVID-19 positive people in the community.

HealthPathways have been developed for COVID-19 for the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) region:

• Far North Queensland
• Townsville
• Mackay.

The COVID-19 HealthPathway is regarded as the key source of truth for clinicians relating to COVID-19. If you are a clinician and don’t have access to HealthPathways, please contact the HealthPathways coordinator in your area:

• FNQhealthpathways@health.qld.gov.au
• healthpathwaysTSV@health.qld.gov.au
• MackayHealthPathways@health.qld.gov.au

Subscribe to receive COVID-19 updates for:

• General Practices
• Residential Aged Care Facilities
• Pharmacies

Queensland PHNs host regular webinars, providing updates on the current COVID-19 situation in Queensland. If you have missed a webinar, you can still watch the recordings below.

COVID-19 update for general practice #7 – Queensland’s CALD COVID response: Let’s get it right in practice

COVID-19 update for general practice #6 – Winter Readiness: The Coincidence of Influenza and COVID-19

COVID-19 update for general practice #5 – An approach to-end-of life care from the consumer and clinicians’ perspective

COVID-19 update for general practice #4 – managing long COVID, 30 March 2022

COVID-19 update for general practice #3 – what GPs need to know about oral treatments for COVID-19, 21 March 2022

COVID-19: Update for general practice #2, 10 March 2022

COVID-19: Update for Queensland general practice #1, 7 February 2022