Dear colleagues,
Demand for testing at our fever clinics has started to drop off over what we experienced earlier this week. Thank you again to all staff across the HHS who have supported our fever clinics to stay open for extended hours and deliver testing to those who needed it. Thanks also for remaining alert to any changes that may need us to surge again.
Remaining flexible and adaptable over the break
Events of this week have shown us, yet again, that the situation with COVID-19 can change quickly. It also shows us that developments interstate still have very real impacts in our local community, and consequently on the way we need to respond.
Like you, I’m hopeful for a peaceful and settled Christmas and New Year break. It’s important to remember though that things can change quickly. That means that we may need to adapt and change our plans and arrangements at short notice. Our commitment to caring and protecting our community is always paramount.
Checking in and out
You may have seen some media reports around hospitals and QR code check-ins and check-outs. At the moment, there’s no requirement for us to be using a system like that across our facilities – our current COVID-response plan requires this in higher tier responses. That said, we are looking at how we could introduce a system like that early in the new year. Our previous QR code system remains active if needed, but we are considering enhancements in the short term. In the meantime, use of the COVID-Safe app, tapping your ID in on arrival, and avoiding unnecessary attendances in the workplace on your days off are all recommended.
Staying COVID-safe for Santa
What we’ve done this week will help Queenslanders to enjoy a safer Christmas with their families and loved ones.
We’ve also made sure that when Santa visits tomorrow night, he’ll be COVID-safe too.
Stay safe.
Kind regards,
Dr Liz Rushbrook
Metro North Incident Controller
Current MN Response Tier Activated – Tier 0
Metro North HHS – overview of Cases*
HHS |
Patients being managed by HHS | FEVER Clinics | |||||||
Total In-patients |
Virtual Ward / HITH / or similar |
Deaths ** |
Total cases managed by HHS (including recovered) *** |
# of clinics |
Presentations |
||||
ICU Pts | |||||||||
ICU-NOT Ventilated |
ICU-Ventilated |
Last 24 hrs |
TOTAL^ |
||||||
MN TOTAL | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 390 | 5 | 196 | 117,290 |
*With effect 24 December 2020, 1400
**Metro North has three recorded deaths (one person a return traveller into NSW, who passed away in NSW)
*** These numbers reflect the cases being managed by Metro North.