Medical professions urge Tasmanians to stay Covid safe this Christmas

As festivities continue to kick off around the state, medical experts are urging Tasmanians to stay cautious. Here’s what to do if you get Covid this holidays.

What a COVID-19 Christmas will look like. Santa Claus, coronavirus during the festival season, holiday restrictions, generic, file.

In a time of festive celebrations with loved ones, sharing food and bon bons, medical professionals are reminding Tasmania’s to take precautions and stay safe from Covid.

“The message is really unchanged. If you’re crook stay at home, if you’re crook get tested, if you’re crook don’t visit elderly family and friends,” Australian Medical Association Tasmania president and GP Dr John Saul said.

Across Australia, various states are reporting an increase of hospitalisations because of Covid. Tasmania had a total of 54 hospital admissions and 998 new cases in the past week.

AMA Tasmania President Dr John Saul. Picture: Chris Kidd

“We’re just seeing that complacency sign creeping in and it’s not a time to be complacent,” Dr Saul said.

“We’ve still got plenty of Covid out there and it’s not just down Covid making people crook, its stopping medical professionals from doing our job.

“We are in a far better place than what we were two and a half years ago. But having said that, Covid is still creating plenty of frustration, havoc and staffing issues as well as hospital admissions and sadly we’re losing the odd patient or two.”

What happens if you get Covid during the festive period?

Dr Saul recommends skipping out on the Christmas feasts and isolating at home if you get sick or show symptoms consistent with Covid.

He said wearing masks isn’t necessary at the moment.

“It’s Christmas, have fun, be engaged with life and enjoy all the wonderful things of the festive season with family and friends. But if you’re sick, you have to flick the switch and pull the cancel button, get tested and stay at home,” he said.

Covid RAT generic.

“If you’re crook, just don’t go. If you’re feeling unwell get tested, and don’t risk spreading Covid at a family function.”

Over the festive period, remote healthcare service for vulnerable patients at home with Covid called Covid@homeplus will be available.

After Christmas Day, a few GPs across the state and chemists will also reopen before the end of the year.

Generic photo of Covid vaccine

Vulnerable patients, including elderly patients, could be eligible for antivirals. Tasmanians are also encouraged to get another jab which will help combat newer strains.

“If you haven’t had a vaccine in the last six months, get along to your local general practice or chemist, and they shouldn’t be able to help you out there,” Dr Saul said.

“We no longer count the number of vaccines you’ve had. We look at when your last episode of Covid and when your last vaccine was. If it’s over six months ago for both, go and get a vaccine.”