Dr Mike Freelander says Australia, which has the best healthcare system in the world, will get through the coronavirus challenge with a combination of national leadership and individual responsibility.
The Member for Macarthur says we also require national policy and action run by scientists to control the spread of the virus.
“This is the most critical situation that has been faced by the public health institutions in my over 40 years working in the public hospital system,’’ he says.
“But I believe that we can cope with this if we put the right systems in place, particularly by slowing the spread of the virus.
“On an individual basis, we must all play our part and do the right things.’’
Dr Freelander’s list of suggestions for local people includes:
- Avoidance of large gatherings of people;
- Strict hand hygiene;
- Avoidance of close contact (handshaking, kissing);
- Avoidance of overseas travel;
- Avoid attending public hospital emergency departments unless absolutely necessary;
- If possible, if there are health concerns about possible coronavirus contact primary care (GP) and arrange testing;
- There is absolutely no need to hoard foodstuffs etc;
- Support elderly relatives and friends to stay at home by shopping for them and contacting them regularly;
- If you have risk factors (respiratory or heart disease, diabetes, or immunosuppressed) try and reduce risk by exercising, eating healthy foods, cessation of smoking and reduce alcohol consumption. If immunosuppressed, discuss the issue with your treating physician. Make sure you are fully vaccinated, especially for influenza and pneumococcal vaccine;
- Avoid visiting aged care centres and retirement living centres if at all unwell.
Dr Freelander said that there has been inconsistent advice from state and federal authorities “which is not surprising, given that this is an evolving situation and there is much about Covid-19 that we don’t know’’.
“Overall, the focus is now on slowing the spread of the virus,’’ he said.
“If we can control the rapidity of the spread of the virus then I have no doubt that our medical systems will cope with the crisis.
“Please contact my office by phone or email if you have questions.’’
