GPs will take on the management of patients with mild COVID-19 symptoms in a pilot program that it if successful will be rolled out more widely.

The Victorian trial run by cohealth is expected to close the gap in care for patients in northwest Melbourne with mild symptoms, who often currently receive no medical management after testing positive.

GP assessments of coronavirus-positive patients have already identified several people who needed urgent hospitalisation, according to GP and medical epidemiologist Dr Nicole Allard, who is co-clinical lead at cohealth.

“I would hope, going forward, we would look at ways to increase the involvement of general practice across metropolitan Melbourne and beyond.