Professor Declan Murphy – Urologist & Director, CANCER SPECIALISTS
The coronavirus situation continues to evolve. CANCER SPECIALISTS are aligning with the policies and advice provided on the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHSS) website https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorian-public-coronavirus-disease-covid-19. This advice is continually updated so please monitor this. We will also continue to update using our Twitter and Instagram feeds
For all patients, staff, and visitors, here are some key points to remember:
- Isolate yourself at home if you feel sick. Specifically, the typical symptoms of coronavirus include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
- If you have any of these symptoms, then DO NOT COME TO CANCER SPECIALISTS. Call your GP for advice, or the dedicated hotline on 1800 675 398. Our specialists will be happy to have a Telehealth consultation rather than face-to-face if you have any concerns.
- Wash hands often with soap and running water, for at least 20 seconds. Dry with paper towel or hand dryer.
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.
- Don’t wear a face mask if you are well.
- Get the flu shot (available April).
- Shaking hands is actively discouraged; a wave should suffice.
Regarding recent travel, here is the current advice from DHSS:
“The Victorian Government recommends that people who have travelled to China, Iran, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea or Thailand and become unwell to seek medical advice and be tested for coronavirus. If you have travelled to any of these at-risk countries and begin to feel unwell – develop a fever or shortness of breath, a cough or respiratory illness – call the dedicated hotline on 1800 675 398. Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.”
We would add that if you are in close contact with anyone with a history of recent travel to these countries, that you should also seek advice be aware if you develop the symptoms listed above.
We will continue to post advice and updates on our twitter and Instagram feeds to keep you updated. We will also put posters and advice in our waiting rooms, as well as additional hand sanitisers.
We do sincerely hope that the predicted surge in cases does not eventuate, but it seems inevitable that there will be some disruption ahead. Our goal is to continue to provide Best Care for all our patients and their loved ones, while doing our best to minimise the risk to all from coronavirus.
Kind regards
Declan Murphy
Useful links:
- DHSS main coronavirus website https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
- DHSS website for health professionals https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/health-services-and-general-practitioners-coronavirus-disease-covid-19
- DHSS website for the public https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorian-public-coronavirus-disease-covid-19