Anxious Victorians are lying about their travel history and defying strict quarantine measures ordering them to self-isolate for 14 days so they can be seen by GPs, putting the lives of doctors and patients at risk.

Some patients, who are displaying symptoms of respiratory illness and have been told to self-isolate as a precautionary measure by doctors, have been observed not to be heeding medical advice and walking around the community, said Melbourne GP Anita Munoz.

Hospital staff assist people waiting in line to be screened for COVID-19 outside the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Credit:Getty Images

"We are screening people and asking them questions over the phone before they come in and the most concerning thing is that some people are not aware of the need to disclose the full extent of their symptoms or they are concerned that disclosing their symptoms will prevent them from accessing care," Dr Munoz said.

"They're denying possible COVID-19 exposure or travel history so they can see a general practitioner faster. When they get to the clinic, they are telling their doctor they've been overseas and they're worried they've got coronavirus. It's becomes a major public health issue when they put other patients and doctors at risk."