Moving GP consultations online is being seen as a crucial way to prevent community transmission of Covid-19

Doctors are being urged to conduct non-urgent, routine appointments over the phone or by email or video calling.

Medical Association chair Kate Baddock says a study in Italy found that one of the greatest contributors to community spread was through primary care clinics.

She says while there's no evidence of community transmission in New Zealand yet - we must assume we're on the brink.

Dr Baddock says that means it's time to stop putting people side-by-side in places like waiting rooms.