Message from the Metro North Health Incident Controller – COVID-19 & Influenza update 417 | 6/07/2022

Dear colleagues,

Metro North is currently caring for 151 inpatients, including 2 in ICU.  There are also 604 in the virtual ward. Additionally, we currently have 22 inpatients with influenza.

Currently we have 611 staff away from work due to either being COVID positive or requiring isolation due to being a close contact. Today there are 52 staff who have returned under the critically essential worker arrangements.

Yesterday’s vidcast recording with me and Dr Krispin Hajkowicz on the current COVID and influenza situation is now on QHEPS. Krispin and our Acting Chief Operating Officer Jane Hancock will hold another vidcast tomorrow at 10.30am. Use this link to watch live.

On Tuesday Krispin provided an extremely enlightening presentation and answered some of the questions that many of us have been thinking about. I certainly learnt much from undertaking the vidcast with him and I have heard many positive comments about the information and advice he gave us. I would strongly recommend you either go back and listen to the Tuesday presentation or tomorrow as he presents with Jane.

You might have seen today the Health Minister and Chief Health Officer media conference about the impact of COVID and flu in our community, with increasing numbers expected over the next few weeks.

If you haven’t had your flu shot or your third dose of COVID vaccine (or fourth, if eligible), please make arrangements as soon as possible to protect yourself, your loved ones, your colleagues and patients.

Now is not the time to be complacent. Please remember your hand hygiene, social distancing and appropriate PPE. By protecting yourself, you protect your loved ones and those that we care for.

While there isn’t a broad community mask mandate, if you’re in a crowded public place where you can’t socially distance, it’s a good idea to put on a mask as a precaution. I am about to go overseas, and I am certainly going to ensure I am masked up while travelling!

Thank you all for your dedication and commitment. Please take care of yourselves, your families and each other.

Regards,

Alanna Geary
Metro North Health Incident Controller