Chief health officer’s five steps for Covid-positive Queenslanders

Chief health officer Dr John Gerrard has issued urgent advice for any Queenslander who tests positive to Covid, including the one thing you shouldn’t do unless you need to.

As Covid cases surge and Queensland Health works with general practitioners to finetune the Covid Community Care Pathway system, chief health officer Dr John Gerrard has issued urgent advice to anyone who returns a positive test result.

The top doctor is concerned that there is unnecessary clogging of emergency departments.

Next month home care by GPs will be in full swing and this is expected to give Queenslanders a step-by-step guide on how to approach a positive result.

“As expected, cases of Covid are increasing significantly and popping up right across the state,” Dr Gerrard said.

Chief health officer Dr John Gerrard. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“Most people will be relatively well and will only have mild symptoms, meaning they will be cared for at home. We are receiving reports of people contacting triple-0 or going to an emergency department when they receive their text message because they think that’s what they should do,” he said.

“I want to remind Queenslanders our emergency departments and emergency services are there for just that – emergencies. If anyone has severe symptoms like chest pain or breathlessness, they should absolutely call for an ambulance.

“For everyone else who has mild symptoms, I want to share with you the first five things you should do when you test positive to COVID-19.

“The first thing you should do is isolate, and tell anyone who usually lives with you to get tested as soon as possible and also isolate.

“Secondly, you’ll receive a call or text from Queensland Health asking you five survey questions about your symptoms and your situation, so we can determine if you can care for yourself at home or if you need care in a hospital.

People queue for a Covid test in Brisbane. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“Next, step 3, is to tell the people you have been in contact with recently. It’s important they get tested as soon as possible and quarantine.

“The fourth step is to get the things you need, because you’ll most likely be isolating at home for up to 14 days. Arrange contactless delivery of food and medications by family or friends, or ordering online,” the CHO said.

“And finally, the fifth step is to look after yourself by keeping a symptom diary, and keeping healthy and active at home, including actively looking after your mental wellbeing.

“If everyone follows these steps as their first actions when they’re notified they have COVID-19, it will help keep our emergency services available for emergencies.”

Detailed information is available at www.qld.gov.au/health/ihavecovid19.