Medical clinics across Brisbane are asking patients and staff to wear masks as they prepare for widespread COVID-19 transmission.
Australian Medical Association Queensland's (AMAQ) council of general practice chairwoman Maria Boulton said her clinic started wearing masks last week when there was community transmission in south Brisbane.
"Now the border has opened, I know there are a lot of clinics that have asked staff and patients to wear masks," Dr Boulton said.
"I also know there are a lot of clinics that have not stopped asking staff and patients to wear masks."
Dr Boulton said often the issues for GP clinics was accessing and affording PPE, something the AMAQ has been calling for state and federal health departments to support.
"Above all, we're just doing it to ensure the safety of our staff and patients," Dr Boulton said.
"The only way to make sure we keep our doors open is to wear adequate PPE."
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Bruce Willett told ABC Radio Brisbane.
Currently masks are only mandated in airports and on domestic flights, but it's recommended that Queenslanders keep a mask with them in case they can't physically distance.
Queensland's Chief Health Officer today said health authorities were "actively considering" reimposing a mask mandate as community transmission increases, and encouraged people to wear them indoors and on public transport.
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Queensland chairman Bruce Willett told ABC Radio Brisbane most clinics were asking patients to wear masks.
"There's no official recommendation but I think most GPs have formed the view that there is increased risk for vulnerable patients being there," he said.
Dr Willett said the college would welcome clarity and guidance from Queensland Health regarding what COVID-19 precautions should be taken, as well as what measures will apply if a COVID-19 positive person enters a clinic.
Reydon Street Medical Centre in Brisbane, Family Practice Medical Centre located at The Gap, Dakabin, Kallangur and Burpengary, and Gasworks Medical Practice are among the clinics that are reminding patients to wear masks to appointments.
The federal health department directed the ABC to contact Queensland Health.
Queensland Health directed the ABC to its website.
