Some health services have changed how they operate during COVID-19 restrictions, but if you have a healthcare appointment coming up or have new symptoms you are worried about, it's important not to delay getting help.

Accessing care from your general practice team and other health professionals can be done via telephone consultation or video chat (telehealth) and many practitioners are still offering safe in-person consultations for those who need them.

In light of the pandemic, any Australian with a Medicare card can now access telehealth services. This is a temporary measure until December 31, 2021.

Click here to read the full ILLAWARRA HEALTH SERVICES 2021

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) president Dr Karen Price appealed to people to take care of themselves and avoid putting additional pressure on local hospitals by letting health concerns escalate.

"A timely consultation with your GP can make all the difference between staying on top of a health condition or ending up in hospital," she said.

"Remember that telehealth services, including over the telephone, are available as well as e-scripts. GPs are ready and enabled to keep on delivering healthcare even under these trying circumstances."

If you do require a face to face appointment remember that accessing healthcare is one of the reasons you can leave your home during a lockdown.

When attending a health service for treatment you will be asked to follow infection prevention measures including wearing a mask, sanitising your hands on arrival, social distancing (where possible) and disclosing any COVID-19 symptoms.

In case of an emergency don't hesitate to call 000.