8 March 2021

Dear colleagues,

We successfully started our Phase 1a COVID-19 vaccination program at STARS last Monday with 1230 vaccines administered last week (just over 200 vaccines per day). We’re ramping that up to about 480 vaccinations per day this week. Out vaccination statistics are updated daily on the Queensland Health website.

People who are high priority in Phase 1a are being contacted directly to register and make an appointment. We thank everyone for their patience as we work through all eligible border, quarantine and frontline COVID-19 health support staff.

The exciting news is that we are well underway planning for rollout of vaccination in our Directorates over the coming week.  This means that we can work more quickly through our Phase 1a cohort and then move to Phase 1b before the end of the month.

I appreciate that many of you will be excited to be vaccinated, and others may have a lot of questions first. I commend to you this short video from the Chief Health Officer that addresses some of the common questions about the vaccination.

Your patience during this time where we are working through the logistics of such a large scale vaccination program is appreciated. I will keep you updated as we firm up the Metro North plan.

PPE fit testing 

Over the past year we have seen a significant increase in the use of PPE across our facilities, including respiratory protective equipment (RPE). We have developed educational videos and posters around the correct use of PPE which are readily available on our COVID-19 extranet and in relevant areas around our wards and clinics. Our PPE clinical advisory group has been instrumental in ensuring staff are protected and supported with the right PPE for their needs.

From mid-March we will also be offering staff in high risk areas or professions RPE fit testing to help you be sure you are using PPE that fits and that you are using it effectively and safely. Fit testing is highly recommended for staff at high risk of COVID-19 exposure. Details of local fit testing programs will be coming soon. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact the Health and Safety Unit via MNHHShealthandsafety@health.qld.gov.au or see the FAQs.

Wedding and funeral changes 

From 8am this morning, up to 200 people or one person per two square metres (whichever is greater) are now able to attend a wedding ceremony or funeral service conducted under the COVID Safe Framework.  

Physical distancing rules still apply. So wherever possible, people should remain 1.5 metres away from others.

For full details, read the Restrictions on Businesses, Activities and Undertakings Direction (No.15).

I hope you all have a good week!

Regards,

Dr Liz Rushbrook
Metro North Incident Controller

Metro North HHS – overview of cases*

*With effect 8 March 2021, 1000
**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.