Two million face masks issued for at-risk patients – but are GPs involved?
It’s still unclear how many of the national stockpile of P2 face masks being released amid the bushfire crisis will be sent to GP practices.
Almost two million masks, usually held for use in pandemics, are now being distributed to Victoria, NSW and the ACT, with the Federal Government pledging more if needed.
Acting Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly says diabetics, pregnant women and those with angina, ischaemic heart disease, asthma and COPD, as well as people over 65 or under 15 should be given priority.
But he also stresses that high-risk patients with underlying heart or lung issues should consult their doctors before wearing the masks, saying their effectiveness is limited and that they are not recommended for “general community use”.
