GPs can refer patients directly for COVID-19 testing after changes by the Director of Public Health, Dr Mark Veitch.
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It comes after Launceston doctor Andrew Jackson called for GP's to be able to order tests rather than patients being solely referred by staff on an 1800 number.
Coronavirus: All the latest updates on COVID-19 for Tasmania
Dr Jackson cited a case in which an urgently needed employee in aged care was told by 1800 to self isolate for 14 days rather than receive a test.
He said the system meant the employer would have been down a staff member for 14 days.
"After approaching authorities the worker was able to get a test done - which proved negative - and the worker was able to return to work much earlier," Dr Jackson said.
The GP testing change will result in Launceston Pathology Service in Frederick Street setting up a drive-through swab testing facility within 48 hours.
"Tests will only be done on those who present a valid signed pathology form from their doctor after satisfying the Public Health mandated testing requirements," he said.
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Dr Veitch said the focus of the public health response was to delay the start of community transmission in Tasmania.
"The next phase will be to slow the spread, and then to protect those vulnerable to severe illness," he said.
In Tasmania testing is of anyone who has fever (38 degrees) or history of fever and acute respiratory infection (including shortness of breath, cough and sore throat) and travelled to Tasmania from interstate in the 14 days prior to symptom onset.
Dr Veitch said all suspected cases must self-isolate except when accessing arranged medical care.
Fifty-four Tasmanians were on the Ruby Princess which disembarked 2400 passengers in Sydney last week.
"The Public Health unit is contacting all passengers to remind them of their requirement to self-quarantine," Dr Veitch said.
"Some may present with symptoms. They should be referred for testing.
"If they are very unwell, please organise for them to be reviewed in an Emergency Department, through contact with the Medical Officer in Charge."
Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy said 135,000 Australians had been tested so far with six deaths.
There are 1700 people across Australia diagnosed with COVID-19.
Tasmania has 28 cases, all linked to international travel, with no deaths.
The priorities for testing are a patient with a fever (38 degrees) or history of fever or acute respiratory infection including shortness of breath, cough and sore throat with or without fever and in the 14 days before illness onset, travelled internationally or had close contact with a confirmed case.
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