As a precaution against widespread COVID-19 transmission, medical facilities around Brisbane are requiring patients and employees to wear masks.
Maria Boulton, president of the Australian Medical Association Queensland's (AMAQ) council of general practice, said her clinic began using masks last week when community transmission was in south Brisbane.
Dr Boulton added that now that the border has opened, he knows a number of clinics have instructed their employees and patients to wear masks.
He also knows that many clinics have not ceased requiring staff and patients to wear masks.
Dr Boulton said that one of the most common difficulties for GP clinics is obtaining and purchasing PPE, which the AMAQ has been urging state and federal health agencies to assist.
Dr Boulton said that above all, they're simply doing it to protect our employees and patients.
Wearing appropriate PPE is the only way to ensure we keep our doors open.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners is a professional organisation that represents general practitioners in Australia. According to Bruce Willett of ABC Radio Brisbane.
Currently, masks are only required at airports and on domestic flights, but it is advised that Queenslanders have a mask on hand if they can distance themselves physically.
Queensland's Chief Health Officer stated today that health officials were "seriously contemplating" reinstating a mask requirement as community transmission increased and urged people to use masks inside and on public transportation.
The Queensland head of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Bruce Willett, told ABC Radio Brisbane that most clinics required patients to wear masks.
He stated that there is no formal guideline, Today, but he believes most GPs have formed the opinion that there is an elevated danger for vulnerable patients being there.
Dr Willett said that the college would appreciate clarification and direction from Queensland Health on what COVID-19 safeguards should be taken and what actions would be implemented if a COVID-19 positive individual visits a clinic.
Patients are being reminded to wear masks to visits at Reydon Street Medical Centre in Brisbane, Family Practice Medical Centres in The Gap, Dakabin, Kallangur, Burpengary, and Gasworks Medical Practice.
The federal health department urged the ABC to contact Queensland Health.
The ABC was referred to Queensland Health's website.