Message from the Metro North Health Incident Controller – COVID-19 update 409 | 26/05/2022
Dear colleagues,
- Current situation
- PPE guidelines
- Acute respiratory precautions
Current situation
Metro North remains in Tier 3 of our COVID response plan. Today we have 432 staff out of the workplace as close contacts or with COVID.
Our influenza inpatient numbers are increasing and community notifications are significantly higher than recent years. We are continuing to work through our acute respiratory plans across Metro North.
PPE guide
The PPE guide has been refreshed, in line with advice from Queensland Health and in consultation with the Infection Control and Infectious Diseases group.
The main difference is that P2/N95 masks are required in emergency departments, fever clinics and COVID wards. In other clinical areas, staff need to wear a flat surgical mask. There is no change to eyewear requirements.
Staff can still choose to wear a P2/N95 if they prefer. You can choose to go up a level in the PPE guideline, but you cannot choose a lower level of PPE than required.
Staff in non-clinical areas are required to wear a flat surgical mask.
Acute respiratory precautions
As the flu season is building up alongside ongoing community COVID transmission, please remember your acute respiratory precautions:
- Change your mask regularly
- Wash or sanitise your hands regularly
- Maintain social distancing where practicable
- Get your flu vaccination
- Stay home if you are unwell or have symptoms.
Regards,
Louise O’Riordan
Metro North Health Incident Controller
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Current Metro North Health tier activated – Tier 3