COVID-19

FREQUENTLY ASKED COVID QUESTIONS


This web page covers Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that Wuchopperen clients may have about COVID-19;  including symptoms, testing and vaccines and what Wuchopperen is doing to reduce the risk in our clinics to help keep our community safe and strong. 

We will update this page regularly as new information is available about COVID-19 in our region and the rollout of vaccines.


If you have any questions at all, our best advice is to phone and talk to a Wuchopperen health worker, nurse or GP on 4080 1000.

LAST UPDATED 21 January 2022

Are there any cases of COVID-19 in Cairns?
Currently (January 2022) there are confirmed locally transmitted cases of COVID-19 in our region.

Queensland Health provides daily updates on the number of cases and the locations in Queensland, which we are monitoring closely.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary, but generally include the following;

- Fever
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of taste or smell
- Aches and pains
- Headache
- Conjunctivitis
- Diarrhoea
- A rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes
How can I reduce my risk of getting COVID-19?

You can reduce your risk of COVID-19 by most importantly getting vaccinated against the virus with two vaccine doses and a follow up booster - but at the same time wearing a mask and practicing good hygiene and social distancing.

Good hygiene includes:

  • covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue or shirt
  • disposing of tissues properly and washing hands after contact
  • washing your hands often with soap and water, including before and after eating and after going to the toilet
  • using alcohol-based hand sanitisers
  • cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
  • if you are sick, avoiding contact with others, not sharing cigarettes and staying more than 1.5 metres away from people
  • cleaning and sanitising frequently used objects such as mobiles, keys and wallets

 Social distancing includes:

  • staying at home when you are unwell
  • avoiding going out of the house unless for essentials or exercise, or if you are unable to work from home
  • keeping a distance of 1.5 metres between you and other people whenever possible
  • no hugging, sharing smokes, pipes or bongs

Who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine?

From January 2022 everyone aged 5 years and older is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and Wuchopperen recommends that all community members take up the offer and bring their children to the clinic to receive their vaccine.

Call 07 4255 8400 to book an appointment.


Download this factsheet on COVID-19 vaccines for 5-11 year olds.

I've had my 2 jabs - why do I need a 3rd?

Two doses of COVID-19 vaccine provide very good protection, especially against severe disease.

A booster dose will make sure the protection from the first two doses is even stronger and longer lasting, and should help prevent spread of the virus.

The booster is only for clients aged 18 years and older. 

Note: A three dose primary course is approved for children under 18 years IF they have a severe immunocompromised state.

A booster dose increases your protection against:

  • infection with the virus that causes COVID-19
  • severe disease
  • dying from COVID-19.

A booster dose will continue to protect you, your loved ones and your community against COVID-19.

You can book a booster dose if it has been four months or longer since your second dose of COVID-19 vaccine (this will change to 3 months from Monday 24 January).

Regardless of which vaccine was given in the first two doses it is recommended to have a single dose of Pfizer as a booster. Boosters are not mandatory. We are unable to give a booster dose early.

What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 you should call us to discuss your health before coming into the clinic. You can also call the dedicated COVID-19 hotline on 1800 020 080, or 13HEALTH. We will talk to you about your health and your testing options. 
What does a COVID-19 test involve?

There are currently two types of tests for COVID-19.


A PCR test is carried out by a health worker and samples sent away to a laboratory for anaylsis.


Rapid Antigen Test kits (RATs) can be completed by you at home and should give a result within 15-30 minutes.

When should I get a COVID-19 test and when should I isolate?

The Australian Government has issued instructions (protocols) that are regularly reviewed and updated in line with the current COVID-19 public health response that we all need to follow - download the document here.

It is important to get tested if you think you have any COVID- 19 symptoms and then stay home until you get the results of the test, and you have no more symptoms.

If your symptoms are severe, such as shortness of breath: call 000 and ask for an ambulance tell them you have confirmed COVID-19. 

If you need to leave the home to attend the clinic or hospital always phone ahead first, wear a mask and socially distance where you can. When you get to the clinic, doctor’s surgery or hospital tell them that you are confirmed to have COVID-19

Does Wuchopperen offer travel testing?

No. If you require a Covid19 test before travelling, then you need to arrange this with a private laboratory.


Links:
PCR Test for Travel Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns & QLD | Sonic Travel Testing 

COVID-19 Testing for Travel (healius.com.au)


Wuchopperen is being strong about ensuring we are keeping our staff and clients safe from COVID.

  • We have a COVID-safe plan. This has levels of response related to potential cases of COVID-19 in the Cairns area, and local transmission. 
  • We will continue to provide health services to our clients – but these may vary, dependent on the level of response. 
  • We will inform community of these changes as they happen, through our website, facebook pages and in the clinics.

Got More Questions? 

If you have any other questions that aren't covered here, please give us a call or send us a message on our Facebook page. 

  • Manoora Clinic phone: (07) 4080 1000  
  • Edmonton Clinic phone: (07) 4040 3100
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic phone: (07) 4255 8400 

Read more WUCHOPPEREN'S VACCINE CLINIC.


Queensland Health

For all up-to-the-minute information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Queensland visit Queensland Health here.

Australian Government

For the latest official coronavirus news, updates and advice from the Australian Government go here

You can also call the Cairns Local Coronavirus Hotline on 1300 396 102, between 8am and 5pm, seven days a week. Additional local Cairns resources and services include the following (click on arrow top right to expand):

  • Happier Kids Kit - a resource for parents on helping kids understand COVID-19, and manage stress in kids at this time
  • Bidfood - Offering home delivery on groceries 

  • MindSpot 1800 61 44 34 (Coronavirus specific mental health and information support line, 8am-8pm Monday-Friday and 8am-6pm Saturdays, Sydney time)

  • Community Recovery Hotline 1800 173 349 (organisation of non-contact delivery of essential food and medication to people in quarantine or self-isolation who have no other means of support)

  • Queensland Health - 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) - If you suspect you may have the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) call 13HEALTH – open 24 hours, seven days.

  • Business Queensland — 13 74 68 - Advice, updates and support for businesses responding to COVID-19 impacts

  • 1800RESPECT - Confidential information, counselling and support service for people affected by or experiencing sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse.

  • Relationships Australia — 1300 364 277 - Support services for individuals, families and communities.

  • Australian Red Cross — 1800 RED CROSS

  • Salvation Army Australia — 13 SALVOS

  • Centrelink — 13 24 68


USE THIS CHECKLIST TO GET COVID READY 

  1. Ensure everyone in your household, and people who visit your home, have had their COVID-19 jabs. Everyone 12 years and over should have at least 2 jabs by now - but it's not too late. Call 4255 8400 to make an appointment.

  2. Carry proof of your jabs with you.  From 17 December you will need to show your vaccine certificate to access some businesses and services. 

  3. Ensure your home is COVID-19 ready. Ask yourself how you and your family will cope if someone has to self-isolate at home. 

  4. Practice good hygiene and social distancing whenever you leave home and carry a mask with you, you may be asked to wear it when visiting some community and business premises.

  5. Know where to go to get a COVID test if you have any flu like symptoms.

  6. Call us on 4255 8400 if you have any questions and concerns about the COVID-19 virus and vaccines. We are here to support clinical and social and emotional needs. 

download the COVID-19 READINESS Family plan here  

From 17 December 2021, in Queensland, you'll need to carry proof of your vaccination status with you.

From this date many Queensland locations and businesses will be restricted to fully vaccinated customers and visitors. The  videos above show you how to add your COVID-19 digital certificate to your Check In Qld app. It's quick and easy - but if you need help talk to a Wuchopperen staff member to show you how.

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