COVID
At Canberra Rheumatology we take the health of our patients and staff very seriously so we have put into place strategies to help ensure everyone's safety
You must wear a mask correctly at all
times to enter the clinic.
If you do not have a mask
please call (02) 6230 6305 and we shall bring one out to you.
Appointments
We ask that you do not attend your appointment and call reschedule if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Chills
Repeated shaking with chills
Muscle pain
Headache
Sore throat
Loss of taste or smell
Diarrhea
Fever
We ask that you do not attend your appointment and call reschedule if you
If you have been identified as a close contact of a confirmed case of coronavirus in the past 14 days.
If you returned from overseas within the last 14 days
If you waiting on COVID-19 swab results
If you have you been asked to self-isolate by your GP, or a government authority
If you are currently in quarantine, or do you live in a household with a person who is currently in quarantine
If you have you been to any of the close contact or investigation exposure locations listed on the ACT Health website in the past 14 days
If you have been to any of the casual contact exposure locations listed on the ACT Health website and not yet returned a negative test result collected at least 4 days after you were there
General COVID Advice
Should I have the COVID-19 vaccine?
We recommend all our Patients above the age ≥5 years to receive the COVID-19 vaccination to protect against COVID-19 as it is recommended for people who are immunocompromised due to their increased risk of severe illness with COVID-19. (More about COVID Vaccine)
I am unwell: what should I do?
If you have a fever, (≥37.5°C) or history of fever (e.g. night sweats, chills) OR acute respiratory infection (e.g. cough, shortness of breath, sore throat) OR loss of taste or smell get a COVID test (ACT click here) (NSW click here) and call your GP for additional advice
You can call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line 1800 020 080 or your state or territory public health agency for advice.
If you are acutely unwell, please call an ambulance on 000 and alert the operator of your symptoms
For patients on immunosuppressant medications, you can also see Australian Rheumatology Association patient COVID guidelines. There is also a separate guide for GP's immunosuppression and covid guideline.
Testing Positive for COVID
When you are able to please contact the Rheumatologist rooms 02 6230 6305 or email nurse@canberrarheumatology.com.au alerting us you have tested positive as you may need to withhold certain medication you are for a couple of weeks.
Useful COVID-19 information and links for Canberra
Report positive RAT results
If you are unable to complete the form or you need help, please call 02 5124 6500 between 8am and 6pm.
I have tested Positive now what?
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/managing-covid-19/what-to-do
Managing COVID 19
Medical assistance while Isolating with COVID
call your GP for a telehealth appointment
drop in to the COVID-19 clinic at the Garran Surge Centre where you can receive face to face support for your COVID or non-COVID related medical concerns.
the COVID-19 clinic is located on the northern end of the COVID-19 Surge Centre on Garran Oval. It has a separate entrance to the testing clinic, you should see the signs for this entrance – please be sure to go to the correct entrance to ensure the safety of others.
COVID-19 testing will continue to operate separately at the southern end of the facility
this COVID-19 medical clinic is open from 7.30am until 10pm every day. You do not need an appointment.
contact the COVID-19 Care@Home program on 02 5124 3085.
you can call HealthDirect on 1800 022 222 or go online and work through its symptom checker.
When should I seek urgent medical attention?
You may develop severe symptoms, such as increasing shortness of breath or chest pain. If this happens:
call triple zero (000) straight away
tell the phone operator you’ve been diagnosed with (or are awaiting a test result for) COVID-19
Pharmacy
Most Chemist’s will offer delivery
https://lifepharmacygroup.com.au/
https://www.capitalchemist.com.au/stores.aspx
https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/aboutus/prescription-home-delivery
You can contact them via phone or send your order via email. If you need a prescription medication, just take a picture of the script and send it through. The store will then confirm your order and take payment over the phone
Some Chemists also have an app you can order things over