GP access to face masks – coronavirus update
AMA members should be aware of the current advice from the Department of Health regarding the use off, and access to face masks for health professionals and the public during the coronavirus outbreak.
Face masks are not currently recommended for use by healthy members of the public for the prevention of infections like novel coronavirus. Persons with a suspected or confirmed case of novel coronavirus should wear a surgical face mask when in contact with others.
According to the advice, GPs and practice staff should wear a surgical face mask when consulting potential novel coronavirus cases. GPs should wear a P2/N95 face mask when collecting specimens.
Face masks from the national stockpile are being be made available to general practices and the Department of Health has advised that they are being distributed through local Primary Health Networks (PHNs). PHN contact details are available here.
