![](https://i.imgur.com/CLvY2jA.png")
12-12-2022, 03:34 PM
By Ellen Ransley
12 Dec, 2022 11:12 AM
Australians will need a referral to obtain a PCR test from January 1, in a major shift to the way the country deals with Covid-19.
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the plan would ensure the country’s health system has the “capacity and capability” to respond to future waves and variants; promote uptake of vaccination and treatments; and slow the spread of transmission.
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The plan also seeks to take pressure off hospitals by ensuring people can seek community care in the first instance.
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From January 1, a referral from a medical or nurse practitioner will be required for a Medicare-funded PCR.
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High risk individuals will be prioritised for PCR testing.
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It comes as Covid-19 cases surge across the country, with NSW recording more than 40,000 new cases last week and 48 deaths with 1526 in hospital – 40 of whom are in intensive care.
Victoria averaged 682 daily hospitalisations and 28 daily intensive care admissions, and reported 27,790 new cases last week.
There were 15 deaths in the latest reporting period in Queensland, with 320 people in hospital with the virus.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/australia-...GP5UFZRXM/
12 Dec, 2022 11:12 AM
Australians will need a referral to obtain a PCR test from January 1, in a major shift to the way the country deals with Covid-19.
......
the plan would ensure the country’s health system has the “capacity and capability” to respond to future waves and variants; promote uptake of vaccination and treatments; and slow the spread of transmission.
......
The plan also seeks to take pressure off hospitals by ensuring people can seek community care in the first instance.
......
From January 1, a referral from a medical or nurse practitioner will be required for a Medicare-funded PCR.
......
High risk individuals will be prioritised for PCR testing.
......
It comes as Covid-19 cases surge across the country, with NSW recording more than 40,000 new cases last week and 48 deaths with 1526 in hospital – 40 of whom are in intensive care.
Victoria averaged 682 daily hospitalisations and 28 daily intensive care admissions, and reported 27,790 new cases last week.
There were 15 deaths in the latest reporting period in Queensland, with 320 people in hospital with the virus.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/australia-...GP5UFZRXM/
