General practitioners play a significant part in the COVID-19 pandemic by providing whole-person and patient-centred care during this time of crisis.

This first article in a series on communicable disease outbreaks explains terms used by public health authorities during epidemics.

The COVID-19 pandemic has restricted the physical activity of the population, but maintaining exercise could reduce the risk of contracting the infection itself and mitigate the effects of quarantine.

Integrating effective virtual leadership activities into general practice should become a priority in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Self-care is essential for primary care professionals who are at risk of COVID-19.

The ability of general practitioners to triage ophthalmic conditions appropriately is critical in our fight against COVID-19.

For the detection of early COVID-19 disease, RCPA supports the use of molecular tests for SARS-CoV-2 and strongly opposes the introduction of COVID-19 IgG/IgM rapid tests for this purpose.

At present, there are no studies demonstrating the clinical efficacy of hydroxychloroquine for the prophylaxis or treatment of COVID-19 infection.

The development of knowledge and skill in infection control has become an important priority for many areas of our healthcare system, including general practice.

There is currently no robust evidence to support prescribing hydroxychloroquine as a treatment or prophylaxis for COVID-19.

The concept of trust is essential for high-functioning general practice teams during a pandemic.

The temporary suspension of elective surgery will affect thousands of patients currently awaiting orthopaedic surgery.

General practice is absolutely central to national and local responses to COVID-19 in Australia, and the nation is building a response on the basis of its very strong system of primary healthcare.

A lifetime of general practice brings with it the privilege of acquired wisdom. We swim in uncertainty and have learned to work within its scope.

‘Uncharted waters’ is perhaps an understatement of where we are headed at this time. The situation is fluid, with government regulations for our society changing rapidly.