Don't panic.
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That's the message Dr Marie Shieh from Tanilba Bay Medical Centre has for Port Stephens residents concerned with the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
"It doesn't help to be in panic or fear. It's one virus out of billions of viruses so let's not panic. We're surrounded by them all the time," she said.
"It's like when your kid first goes to daycare and you find that you're sick and they're sick all the time. It's because you're being exposed to those viruses. We get better - most of the time. And it's the same with this virus [COVID-19]."
Dr Shieh, a general practitioner (GP), was born in the United States and ran a clinic in California before moving to China in 2001.
She was living in Beijing during the outbreak of SARS, which is also a coronavirus, in 2002.
"I didn't get sick because I was careful. I was hand washing, making sure I didn't touch my face and taking care of myself. I didn't get sick because I had good habits," she said.
"Alcohol hand sanitiser is really important to have. Before and after seeing a patient I am meant to wash my hands. But if I used soap and water I wouldn't have any skin on my hands.
"So this has saved my hand skin. But if you get stuff on your hands like phlegm or mucus, go to the sink and wash your hands with soap and water.
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"It was very interesting to be [in China] at that time to see the good systems that can be put in place to stop the virus and also so that we didn't get sick.
"That's really important, that people and clinics have systems in place. In many clinics, when a patient comes they are screened and right away and if they are sick, they are put into a room with a mask on."
Dr Shieh moved to Australia to be closer to her sons. She has been a GP in Tanilba Bay for four-and-a-half years.
While she did not downplay the threat of COVID-19, Dr Shieh's emphasis was on remaining calm and following medical advice.
Her advice to Port Stephens residents fearful of catching COVID-19 is to take a deep breath, to check the NSW Health website and the new coronavirus landing page, the same site that GPs are also using to receive the most up-to-date information about the virus, to develop good hygiene practices which would also help in the upcoming flu season and to be alert but not alarmed about being affected by the virus.
"How afraid are you of the cold virus of flu virus? We're all are aware of them and we use our awareness to have good habits to prevent ourselves and our fellow friends and family to not get these viruses by demonstrating good hand hygiene, by not going out when you're sick, staying home when you have a fever, call your GP or health service before coming in because that protects you and the public," she said.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
