Wednesday, March 11
What is Covid-19 or Novel Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe respiratory conditions. Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus.
What are the symptoms of Novel Coronavirus?
- fever
- a cough
- sore throat
- fatigue
- shortness of breath.
Follow Government advice
- Current Government advice requires anyone arriving to Australia's international airports must go straight into self-isolation for 14 days
- International cruise ships won't be allowed to dock for 30 days
- "Social distancing" is still being encouraged, including no hand shakes
You can follow the latest government advice here.
Should I still come to my appointment?
Due to the unprecedented situation and in order to protect our community at large we will be contacting any patients booked for review appointments in the coming weeks to offer alternative options such as Telehealth or rescheduling. This will limit the number of patients needing to attend our rooms and therefore reducing unnecessary risk or exposure.
If you have recently returned from overseas and/or have any of the above symptoms we ask that you contact our rooms immediately to discuss alternative appointment options such as Telehealth or rescheduling to a later date.
Hand hygiene is your best protection
On arrival to your appointment, we ask that you please use hand washing facilities located in our bathrooms on level 4 and/or hand sanitiser provided at our welcome lounge on arrival to your appointment.
Will my surgery be cancelled?
At this stage all surgery booked with Dr Cheng will go ahead as planned unless any of the following apply to you:
- you have travelled overseas in the past 14 days
- have been in close contact with a person with confirmed COVID-19 during the 14 days before your surgery
- you have any of the symptoms list above.
What if my appointment or plastic surgery is cancelled?
In the event that Dr Cheng and AR Plastic Surgery and our partners including our hospitals are required to cancel your appointment or surgery you will be provided with a full refund and we will work closely with you to provide a mutually suitable outcome in the future.
If you become unwell, we will work with you to reschedule or cancel your surgery as required.
I think I might have novel coronavirus (COVID-19) – what should I do?
If you have symptoms of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), have travelled overseas in the past 14 days, or have been in contact with someone who has novel coronavirus (COVID-19), you need to see a doctor immediately. Be sure to call ahead to your GP and tell reception staff your symptoms and any travel history or if you may have been in contact with a potential case of coronavirus.
Queensland Health also provide health advice via 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).
How can I prepare for my plastic surgery and avoid becoming unwell?
Looking after yourself by eating a healthy, balanced diet, getting regular physical activity, sleeping well and reducing stress is important all the time, not just when you’re trying to avoid getting sick, so we recommend you keep these healthy habits in mind every day.
To protect yourself and others from infection the best form of defence is good hand and respiratory hygiene including the following:
How can I stay informed?
We will do our best to keep you informed of any updates and ask that you also let us know of any changes to your health or travel immediately.
Resources:
Frequently asked questions about novel coronavirus.
Queensland Health - All you need to know about coronavirus.
Department of Health Coronavirus resources