A fifth coronavirus clinic has opened in metropolitan Adelaide, with a focus on pregnant women, children, and their parents.
The clinic opened at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital on Wednesday and will be available from 9am-8pm every day.
Parents and children who have flu-like symptoms and have travelled overseas within the last 14 days or have been in contact with someone who has the virus will be tested.
Across all SA clinics, almost 400 people have been tested since the first facility opened last Wednesday.
Women’s and Children’s Hospital chief executive Lindsey Gough said there was a likelihood of people presenting for unnecessary testing.
The public is reminded not to attend clinics if they do not meet the testing criteria.
The hospital’s patient flow director Monique Anninos said the maximum number of patients treated daily was unclear.
“We haven’t had a clinic like this open since the Swine flu in 2009,” Ms Anninos said.
“We saw a significant increase in numbers when schools closed which is the biggest concern.”
Clinical director of pediatrics Dr Gavin Wheaton said although there was little data, information from other countries suggested children were mildly affected compared to adults.
“There is limited data but some evidence (also) suggests that babies of pregnant women who have coronavirus are not at particular risk,” Dr Wheaton said.
“We are expecting that the numbers (of tests) initially be quite low.
“There is the potential for the numbers to increase significantly in the coming days and weeks.”
AAP
Be the first to comment