GP avoidance sparks surge in code one call-outs

Many patients with pre-existing conditions are now needing urgent care after Melbourne’s lockdown

Reluctance to seek GP care during Melbourne’s COVID-19 restrictions is behind a surge in critical ambulance call-outs post-lockdown, paramedics say.

More than 2000 call-outs were made on 2 November, the day after restrictions were eased, with 1021 of them priority code one calls — the second highest priority.