Dear colleagues,

Another nice day! In the last 24 hours, Queensland recorded no new cases of COVID-19. Well done to all of you who continue to do your part in slowing the spread.

Just three quick updates today:

• Minor amendment to COVID-19 National Guidelines
• Syndromic Surveillance heads up
• Virtual ED feedback

Other reported COVID-19 symptoms 

Yesterday there was a further minor amendment of the CDNA National Guidelines for COVID-19 expanding on the full range of less common reported symptoms of COVID-19 including loss of smell, loss of taste, runny nose, muscle pain, joint pain, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting and loss of appetite.  In the event of sudden and unexplained onset of one or more of these symptoms, clinical judgement should be used to consider if testing is required.

This is over and above the well-known clinical criteria of Fever or history of fever (e.g. night sweats, chills) OR acute respiratory infection (e.g. cough, shortness of breath, sore throat)

In light of this new information, please make sure you are watching out for any symptoms of COVID-19. If in doubt, refer for or arrange testing!

Syndromic Surveillance heads up

There is a lot of work being done Nationally, at the State level and locally to develop a Syndromic Surveillance framework. Taking into consideration our current situation, as well as testing capacity within our system, we expect that this framework will soon be available to guide implementation of Syndromic Surveillance within our HHS.  In the meantime, we have commenced planning what this might look like across our HHS. I look forward to announcing more in this regard in the short term.

Virtual ED feedback

I’m pleased to say we have received very positive feedback from some of the first GPs to use our new Virtual ED service! This service directly connects clinicians in the community to emergency physicians at Metro North to provide timely and expert advice for their patients.

Overall, the feedback tells us that the Virtual ED is very easy to access. GPs found the consultation processes and outcome for their patient excellent. And, best of all, they all indicated that they would use our Virtual ED again.

Well done to all staff involved in the creation and initial implementation of this service and to the clinicians who have been engaging with community GPs so well! It’s very rewarding to know our Virtual ED model is able to deliver real value to patients.

As always, thank you all for your contribution to our COVID-19 response! Whether you’re working on the frontline or protecting your families and colleagues by maintaining good hand washing and practising social distancing, you’re a key part of our success.

Kind regards,
Dr Liz Rushbrook
Metro North Health Incident Controller

Metro North HHS – Overview of Cases*

*With effect 1000 06 May 2020

**Metro North has three recorded deaths (one person a return traveller into NSW, who passed away in NSW)

*** These numbers reflect the cases being managed by Metro North