GP Partners Australia is closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and will be providing our Obstetric Shared Care GPs updated information as it comes to hand.

Currently there is limited information on the effects of COVID-19 in pregnancy, however a preliminary study suggests no mother to child transmission (RANZCOG). Pregnant women are advised to take precautions to reduce risk of exposure to infections.

Detailed information regarding the impact of COVID-19 infection on pregnant women and their babies is limited by the recency of the emergence of the disease.

RANZCOG reports that a recent Lancet study of 19 pregnant women infected with COVID-19 did not demonstrate evidence of vertical transmission. These numbers are few, however this information together with knowledge of the low pathogenicity for the fetus of more common respiratory viruses is reassuring.

To read more you can access the RANZCOG Statement 
CLICK HERE

General Advice 

Encourage your antenatal patients to discuss their concerns, and most importantly report any early symptoms to you or your Practice in a timely manner.

Pregnant women are advised to avoid all non-essential overseas travel and to maintain reduction of their risk of influenza through vaccination.

SA Health has issued the following recent update:

Covid-19 Clinics Open

 Dedicated COVID-19 clinics have opened this week at:

  • Royal Adelaide Hospital
  • Flinders Medical Centre
  • Lyell McEwin Hospital
  • Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

These clinics are for people who have COVID-19 symptoms (especially fever or cough) AND have recently returned from overseas OR have had contact with a known COVID-19 case.

By triaging, assessing, testing and referring suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19, these clinics will help take pressure off our Emergency Departments in the event of an outbreak and help to minimise the spread of infection.
Our regional hospitals are also making plans within their Local Health Networks to manage potential COVID-19 cases.

Drive-through testing at the Repat
Today we opened the nation’s first drive-through COVID-19 collection centre at the reactivated Repat site. Tests can be taken with the patient still in the vehicle, minimising the risk of spreading the infection.
This will support GPs who may not be able to collect specimens in their own clinic and will help to reduce pressure on the COVID-19 Clinics.

Mock COVID-19 scenario
More than 100 senior SA Health clinicians and staff participated in a mock scenario exercise yesterday to aid preparations for COVID-19.
The exercise is part of broader planning to ensure we are equipped to manage the impact of COVID-19, whether it is in the immediate future or over a prolonged period of time.

GP Partners Australia’s message to our GPs and the wider community is to be alert and vigilant, not alarmed.

Information Sources:
We encourage you to refer to the following trusted websites for more current and factual information.

Information and advice to the general public applies equally to pregnant women.

Our plans are to continue to keep you updated with timely and the latest information as the situation evolves in South Australia.

If you have any questions or require additional information please do not hesitate to contact the GP Obstetric Shared Care Program Manager – Leanne at lmarch@gppaustralia.org.au