Message from the Metro North Health Incident Controller – COVID-19 & Influenza update 431 | 28/07/2022

Dear colleagues,

• Current situation
• Tier 3
• COVID therapies guidelines
• Update your COVID vaccination info
• Useful links

Current situation

We currently have 559 active cases of COVID in our care, including 172 inpatients with 8 in ICU (3 ventilated). There are 387 patients in the Virtual Ward.

Today 660 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, 125 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.

We encourage staff to wear masks in the community when you’re indoors or can’t socially distance.

COVID therapies guidelines

The Queensland clinical guidelines for COVID-19 therapies have recently been updated. The update includes:

• a new version of the Decision pathway for drug treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19
• Updated COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines for Mild to Moderate disease (Adults)
• Molnupiravir Prescribing Guideline – updated to align with PBS criteria
• Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) – updated to align with PBS criteria and guidance on renal impairment dosing.

Update your COVID vaccination info

Once you’ve had your third or fourth dose of COVID vaccine, don’t forget to upload details into the Queensland Health vaccine hub to assist us with workforce planning.

The process is the same as recording your first two doses:

• Download your COVID digital certificate from your myGov account
• Go to the COVID-19 Vaccination Hub
• Choose the +Booster Vaccination option
• Add your booster details
• Upload or drag and drop your certificate
• Save

If you’re not sure whether you have already updated your information, you can check under the personal profile section of myHR. 

Useful links

• Find a PCR test provider (including drive through, bulk bill, four-plex) on the Queensland Government website.
• 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.

Regards,

Louise O’Riordan
Metro North Health Incident Controller