WA Health has opened the first of three dedicated COVID-19 clinics to offer testing for the virus as part of a plan to reduce its spread.
The clinics are located at Fiona Stanley Hospital, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and Royal Perth Hospital.
In a statement, WA Health said clinic staff would test for COVID-19, provide information on the virus and refer people for appropriate treatment if required.
“The clinics will operate from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week and will be staffed by doctors, nurses and administrative staff who will follow strict infection prevention protocols,” WA Health said.
“Those who should attend the clinic are people with fever and respiratory symptoms, such as a cough or sore throat and who have returned from overseas travel in the past 14 days; are a contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case, or believe they have been in contact with a person infected with COVID-19.”
WA Health said individuals who were tested and well enough would be asked to self-isolate while they awaited test results, which was generally 48 hours.
“Anyone who is confirmed to have Coronavirus who does not require hospitalisation will be asked to stay in home isolation as instructed by the public health team,” it said.
WA Health said more locations for COVID-19 clinics across the metropolitan area and in regional Western Australia would be considered if there was a need to meet future or increased demand.
“The community are reminded that the clinics are not intended to replace the medical care available through their GP or at hospital emergency departments,” it said.
