Message from the Metro North Health Incident Controller – COVID-19 & Influenza update 429 | 26/07/2022

Dear colleagues,

• Current situation
• Tier 3
• Face masks
• COVID testing

Current situation

We currently have 577 active cases of COVID in our care, including 179 inpatients with 6 in ICU (1 ventilated). There are 398 patients in the Virtual Ward. Unfortunately, we saw four people pass away from COVID-19.

Today 612 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, 128 close contact staff have been able to return to work as Critical Essential workers.

Tier 3

Metro North remains 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 continuing to strongly encourage people and staff to wear face masks when out in public, especially indoors. 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.

These providers are listed on the Queensland Government website.

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).  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.

Staff can also get free Rapid Antigen Test kits via your line manager.

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.

Finally, it continues to be a busy time for all of our hospitals and services, and I want to thank you all for your unwavering strength and commitment to our patients, each other and the broader community.

Regards,

Louise O’Riordan
Metro North Health Incident Controller