In Practice: Telehealth exemptions for PCR tests extended Patients who meet the COVID ‘high-risk’ criteria have had the telehealth temporary exemption rule extended to 31 December.
How COVID-19 will be managed in 2023 ‘COVID exceptionalism’ and bespoke arrangements will be a thing of the past, according to a new Government plan.
Diagnosis delays lead to PCR test push Vulnerable patients with symptoms should get the more sensitive test to allow treatment to be fast-tracked, says deputy CMO.
GP issues warning over COVID testing confusion Rapid antigen tests versus PCR – which is appropriate, and when? GPs are being urged to educate patients in the lead up to winter.
States move to make positive rapid test results official To reduce stress on PCR testing, Victoria and Queensland are establishing systems for people to record their positive rapid antigen test results.
Significant changes to COVID testing requirements People with a positive rapid antigen test will no longer need a PCR test, as part of efforts to ease pressure on the country’s buckling systems.
What are the COVID-19 travel requirements for each state and territory? UPDATED: As Australians continue to journey interstate over the summer, newsGP provides a breakdown of the various travel requirements, from vaccination to testing and isolation.
‘The health system will collapse’: GPs call for policy change to keep practice doors open As case numbers and exposure sites increase, there are fears that requiring fully vaccinated practice staff to isolate is becoming unsustainable and risks the entire health system.
Rapid antigen testing guidelines published Guidance has been released for workplaces considering the faster but less sensitive COVID tests, but their role for general practice is not yet clear.
New saliva test has potential to detect COVID-19 in five minutes It’s considered a next generation approach to testing and could further assist in minimising the risks of viral spread.