Medical centre, council, pharmacy hold coronavirus talks

Dr Sivakamy, from the Oberon Medical Centre, said although there are no cases in Oberon as yet, this is a community problem and that status is changing day to day.

"We need to get everyone on board to educate people in the hope to reduce the spread of coronavirus," she said.

"Any patients currently presenting at the Medical Centre are given preventive information flyers and we ask them to pass this information onto others.

"The main message we want to get out is hygiene and anyone at risk to go into isolation."

She said anyone with a cold, flu, fever, cough or respiratory issues should not present at the Medical Centre and put others at risk.

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"It's best to phone first and a doctor will speak to the patient and assess the best course of action.

"Vulnerable, and those at-risk patients will be also assessed for eligibility for scripts and script renewals.

"We will fax directly to Oberon Pharmacy.

"Should a patient meet the coronavirus requirements, they will be sent to Oberon Hospital to have the swab test attended to.

"Staff from the hospital will come out to your vehicle and conduct the test. When the results come through, further information will be provided.

"The main message we want to get out is education - we should be disinfecting everything, even ourselves.

"If anyone has returned from overseas, they should self-isolate themselves for at least 14 days. This advice is Australia-wide since last weekend.

"Also, social distancing is advised."

Oberon Pharmacy has advised of changes to its dispensing of medication.

Pharmacist Jennifer Stoneman said they have been in contact with Oberon Medical Centre and Oberon Hospital to ensure they were all working together to prepare for and help prevent coronavirus in the Oberon community.

"Oberon Pharmacy are taking precautions to minimise the chance of the virus being spread in the pharmacy," she said.

"The precautions include removing signing pens and prescription baskets, extra handwashing and sanitising, and temporary removal of the kids' play area.

"We ask that if you are unwell with any possible viral symptoms, including sore throat, fever and cough, that you phone the pharmacy and we can deliver your prescriptions to your car, or in the case you are unwell, to your house.

"We will have free deliveries every day for the foreseeable future."

Ms Stoneman added that the 2020 flu vaccinations are now in stock and pharmacists can vaccinate from 10 years of age with no need for a prescription.

Deputy mayor Mark Kellam said council was taking its own precautions in regards to staff safety.

Dr Sivakamy appealed to Cr Kellam for council to get pro-active in contacting all businesses, cafes and eateries to stress to owners the importance of proper and constant hygiene.

"Business should even be cleaning their EFTPOS machines as well as counters, handles and any other surfaces in contact with the public," she said.

"Even petrol stations should be cleaning their bowsers and pump handles - how many people come to Oberon from out of town and fuel up?"

Dr Sivakamy appealed to council to check the public toilets regularly to top up soap and paper towels.

"I've been in contact with Mawhood's Supa IGA and Foodworks in regards to delivering essential items to those that choose to isolate," she said.

"Ian Mawhood from Supa IGA said their click and collect is a good option and they also deliver and those not tech savvy can also put phone orders through to the supermarket.

"Mr Mawhood said they will put posters in-store for customers' information."

Dr Sivakamy said if everyone is on the same page and is proactive in regards to prevention of the transfer of this virus, she will be happy.

"If you're unwell, you should stay at home to avoid infecting others. We still have the flu season to get through," she said.

"The coronavirus is a constantly changing situation."