Doctor reveals the safety measures we must ALWAYS follow even as we're allowed to have friends and family over - and warns Australians not to be 'complacent' about COVID-19 hygiene
- General practitioner Dr Preeya Alexander has been updating fans on COVID-19
- In her latest post mother-of-two said we can't get complacent despite easing
- She argued that the infectious disease is still in Oz and people are contagious
- Social distancing and hand hygiene should still be upheld despite less cases
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
An Australian doctor has cautioned against becoming 'complacent' about COVID-19 hygiene and social distancing advice as restrictions are eased, as the threat of infection 'is not over'.
Dr Preeya Alexander, a general practitioner in Melbourne, wrote a post on her social media account The Wholesome Doctor directed at those who are feeling 'excited' and 'relieved' about restrictions being gradually lifted.
'It's wonderful we can now have five people over (please know that number includes kids and babies) and have gatherings of up to 10 outdoors in most states,' she said.
Dr Preeya Alexander, who works as a general practitioner in Melbourne, wrote a post on social media directed at those are very 'excited' and 'relieved' about certain restrictions lifting
Last weekend hundreds of Australians flocked to beaches and cafes after getting a taste of freedom as coronavirus lockdown restrictions eased on Friday (pictured in Melbourne on Sunday)
'But it's not time to completely relax and become complacent; things can get real very quickly again.'
Last weekend hundreds of Australians flocked to beaches and cafes after getting a taste of freedom as coronavirus lockdown restrictions eased on Friday.
Businesses opened their doors for the first time on May 15 after being closed for dining service for nearly eight weeks.
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Businesses opened their doors for the first time on May 15 after being closed for dining service for nearly eight weeks (Pitt Street Mall in Sydney on Sunday)
Cafes, restaurants and bars have only been allowed to offer takeaway service under the restrictions which were introduced on March 23 to slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus (A cafe in Kirribilli, Sydney, on Saturday)
Exercise groups and churches were also allowed to operate again under the first stage of the government three-step plan to kick-start the economy and return daily life back to normal.
Cafes, restaurants and bars have only been allowed to offer takeaway service under the restrictions which were introduced on March 23 to slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
Dr Preeya said despite the slow return to normal, COVID-19 still exists in Australia and people are still contagious - so if you have any symptoms like a runny nose, cough or fever you need to get tested at a mobile clinic.
'Just as before, this virus needs people to spread. The more we mingle, touch each other and gather the more it can spread in the community,' she said.
For this reason social distancing and good hand hygiene are still crucial elements of being allowed outdoors and will help the virus from becoming a 'huge issue' as it has done in countries overseas
For this reason social distancing and good hand hygiene are still crucial elements of being allowed outdoors and will stop the virus from becoming a 'huge issue' as it has done in countries overseas.
'Honestly, we haven't seen anyone since restrictions lifted other than immediate family. But tonight a couple are coming over,' she said on a personal note.
'Let me be clear, we will remain 1.5 metres apart in the home. There will be no share platters where everyone touches stuff. We will be washing hands frequently.
'My point is simply, it's not time to be complacent. Treat your soul, see those who bring you joy but be careful. It's way harder with small kids but adults can do all the right things and promote hand washing.'
'My point is simply, it's not time to be complacent. Treat your soul, see those who bring you joy but be careful,' she said (Port Melbourne on Sunday)
Dr Preeya noticed over the weekend that people on the streets and in supermarkets had gotten 'complacent' with their distancing.
She said seeing this scares 'doctors to the bone' because this virus is not 'over' and things can easily get out of control.
'We all have to still do our part (by sticking to the rules) to protect each other and the healthcare system,' she said.
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