Dear colleagues,

Since the start of 2020, we have weathered the COVID-19 situation together. This is the 446^th COVID-19 Incident Controller message, and will be my last, as we have moved to Tier 0 from midday today.

Tier 0

Tier 0 signifies mild community transmission and a return to more business-as-usual activity, with only 44 patients in our hospitals with COVID-19 today and the number of staff affected also steadily decreasing.

So what does Tier 0 mean for us at Metro North Health?

• Our COVID-19 IMT had its last meeting today and our EOCs are transitioning and will be finished by next Friday.
• Our virtual COVID-19 ward will continue to run to treat patients as needed.
• Training and meetings return as normal.
• We’ll continue to stay on top of our vaccinations, ensure staff are fit tested, and monitor and report staff sickness rates of over 3 per cent.
• We remain in moderate risk PPE and will update on any changes soon.

Mask-use at Metro North Health

Mask wearing is still mandated by the Chief Health Officer while at healthcare facilities. At this stage, only Citilink staff and those in corporate areas of Block 7, once swiped in, are permitted to remove their masks under the current CHO directive.

We are monitoring closely any changes to Chief Health Officer directions before we make any more changes.

A moment of reflection

Today is an exciting milestone for all of us at Metro North Health. I know every person reading this has given during this COVID-19 pandemic – be it long stretches without leave, missed events, trying days caring for patients and challenges juggling the ever-changing nature of what was before us almost three years ago.

From standing at the airport at midnight to welcome the first flight home from Wuhan into what was then known as home quarantine, to our mad scramble to source and make PPE for our staff, we have seen it all since the start of 2020. Our hospitals have been extremely agile and stretched during this time caring for patients with COVID-19 as well as having large volumes of staff furloughed.

Thank you for innovating, remaining resilient and continuing to care for our patients and each other during this time. We appreciate you.

 Useful links and a reminder:

• 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.
• Continue your hand hygiene and COVID-19 vigilance even in this new phase.

Signing off for one last time,

Louise O’Riordan
Metro North Health Incident Controller