Acute Respiratory Illness Response
Message from the Metro North Health Incident Controller – COVID-19 & Influenza update 428 | 25/07/2022
Dear colleagues,
- Current situation
- Tier 3
- Face masks
- COVID testing
Current situation
We currently have 631 active cases of COVID in our care, including 220 inpatients with 6 in ICU (1 ventilated). There are 411 patients in the Virtual Ward.
Today 746 staff are away from work due to either being COVID positive or requiring isolation due to being a close contact. This number does not include other types of sick leave. Additionally, 122 close contact staff have been able to return to work as Critical Essential workers.
Tier 3
Metro North is still in Tier 3 of our COVID-19 and Influenza Response Plan. Under Tier 3, we have suspended all non-urgent planned care and increased our PPE in clinical areas to a minimum of P2/N95 mask and protective eyewear.
Face masks
We are still a couple of weeks away from the predicted peak of the current COVID surge. Over the weekend the Acting Chief Health Officer strongly encouraged people to wear face masks when out in public, especially indoors locations. Older people are also encouraged to stay away from large events and crowded areas.
COVID testing
There are a number of private pathology providers who are doing COVID-19 PCR testing as well as four-plex testing (COVID, Influenza A & B, and RSV). Some providers will do a bulk billed test without a GP referral.
If you need a PCR, check the list on the Queensland Government website for a suitable provider near you. There are a range of in clinic and drive through services.
Staff can also get free Rapid Antigen Test kits via your line manager.
If you have had a PCR, please remember you cannot look up your own results (or those of someone you know) on Queensland Health systems. COVID test results will be texted to you. Results for influenza or RSV will be available on My Health Record (via My Health Record or your myGov account).
Useful links:
- People with respiratory symptoms can make an appointment (often same day) through GP Respiratory Clinics.
- You can find a COVID vaccine provider using the Department of Health COVID Vaccine Clinic Finder website.
Regards,
Louise O’Riordan
Metro North Health Incident Controller