ALERT: 2019 Novel Coronavirus information for ACMAV Members

There is currently a lot of talk about the novel coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China. The most recent Medical Advisory from the Victorian Department of Health is from January 24.

Essentially if you encounter a patient who meets the suspected case definition (see link above) please:

- isolate and place a surgical mask in the patient

- wear appropriate PPE eg N95/P2 mask and practice airborne, contact and universal precautions

- Notify DHHS VIC on 1300 651 160 who will assist with advice on diagnosis, isolation, swabs and follow up

- swabs taken under instruction from DHHS will be sent to VIDRL for testing

More detailed advice for health practices and GPs is contained in the following document:

2019-nCov Vic DHHS Guidelines for Health Services and GPs

Further updates will be available from DHHS via email advisories or on the novel coronavirus incident webpage at https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/novelcoronavirus

For WHO updates on this outbreak in China see https://www.who.int/china/news/detail

For CDC updates see https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html