Dubbo residents concerned they may have the coronavirus, COVID-19, are being advised not to go to its public hospital in the first instance.
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Instead, they are being encouraged to seek direction through the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 or Health Direct on 1800 022 222.
In the event of critical or life-threatening symptoms, a triple zero call should be made.
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Dubbo Hospital's director of emergency medicine Dr Daniel Stewart responded last week to questions about the best pathway to treatment of COVID-19.
"If you feel like you are coming down with a mild flu-like illness, cough or cold or a sniffle, and you are worried about conoravirus, my advice would be to call the hotline first," he said.
"They can provide advice on whether or not you would meet the criteria for coronavirus screening.
"Local GPs are available for teleconferencing and then as always the Emergency Department is available for people who need its services."
Last week Dr Stewart said the community's observance of social distancing and hand washing had made it possible for the ED to get ready for a "huge hit" of COVID-19, should it come.
The ED's Stand-Alone Fever Flu Evaluation (SAFFE) clinic has treated more than 500 people since mid-March, with four diagnosed with COVID-19 as of last week. A fifth case was diagnosed in the ED.
On Tuesday, Regional Health Minister Mark Coulton announced that Dubbo was getting one of the 100 GP-led respiratory clinics earmarked for rural and regional Australia as part of the federal government's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Patients will not be charged for their treatment at the clinic, expected to be open soon.
