Overnight, Queensland recorded just one new case of COVID-19, where the person was originally diagnosed interstate. This is largely reflective of Queensland’s new cases this week and a reassuring sign we are presently containing community transmission.

Our current focus is on balancing our preparedness with the healthcare needs of our community by appropriately reintroducing some of our clinical services.

There are two updates today:

• Tips for working safely within essential workplaces
• Increased public activity in our facilities

Tips for working safely within essential workplaces

I’ve been getting lots of questions from you about how to work safely in our workspaces.  As an essential workplace, we will strive to implement social distancing to the extent reasonably practicable, noting of course, when providing certain clinical services (such as physical examination), this is not possible.

There is work currently underway to prepare guidance, checklists and practical solutions. In the meantime, here are some of my top tips:

• Keep a tidy workspace with only the things you really need on your desk/at your workstation. This will enable frequent cleaning and minimise risk of contamination.
• If your workplace is prone to queueing, lay out markers on the floor 1.5m apart to encourage people to maintain their distance while they wait.
• Enable opportunities to check in and wait elsewhere: allow patients to wait in the garden/foyer/cafe and text or call patients when their appointment time is approaching.
• If you haven’t already, space out the chairs in your waiting room and put clear signage up that family groups should maintain social distancing where possible. Remove chairs or furniture that is unnecessary.
• When booking appointments, space virtual services between face-to-face services – effectively minimising the number of patients in waiting areas.
• Take regular hygiene breaks and take the opportunity to wash your hands. Even smile at yourself in the mirror when you do this to help lift your mood ?
• Chose to eat outside in the fresh air to avoid crowds in the staff room.

I look forward to sharing more information on this topic as it becomes available.

Increased public activity in our facilities 

Metro North has worked hard to ensure we are prepared for a surge in COVID-19 cases, while making sure we have the equipment and PPE we need to resume public activity.

Keeping a watchful eye on the pandemic, we are now in a position to recommence important healthcare services for our population. Queenslanders have been understanding over the past two months, but many are needing our expert care. I hope you will join me in welcoming increased numbers of patients back into our service, maximising virtual services wherever possible.

I’m handing over to Alanna tomorrow, who will lead you through to the weekend. Until then, please go cautiously into the weekend with some of our restrictions eased, remember the golden rules of handwashing and social distancing and of course, enjoy!

Kind regards,
Dr Liz Rushbrook
Metro North Health Incident Controller

Metro North HHS – Overview of Cases*

*With effect 1000 13 May 2020

**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