As one of the most vulnerable groups in the coronavirus crisis, Australians living with chronic illnesses are being extra vigilant about social distancing.
The fear of contracting coronavirus is stopping many people from visiting doctors' clinics and pathology centres.
But health authorities are pleading for those with chronic conditions to continue receiving their regular health check-ups and pathology tests.
Thousands of Australians are avoiding taking their usual tests.
The pathology sector says testing rates have plummeted by 40 per cent, equivalent to over 60 000 patients a day.
Tests are especially crucial in monitoring the health of those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease.
