Dr Liz Rushbrook, Chief Medical Officer,
Emergency Management and Business Continuity
COVID UPDATE
As you may all be aware, there is a small surge in COVID-19 infections currently in our community. This is reflected in our inpatient and Virtual Ward numbers, Emergency Department presentation rate and is affecting our staff. Unfortunately, I have also recently joined the “COVID” club having tested positive last Sunday. I am grateful that I am fully vaccinated and happy to report that I am well on the road to full recovery.
There are some key things that we can all continue to do to ensure that we remain ready to manage this situation:
- When you have symptoms, please stay home for the period of time you have symptoms. And test for COVID (either a RAT test or a PCR). We will welcome you back at work after your symptoms have resolved (NB: there are some additional guidelines if you have tested positive for COVID).
- Wear a mask indoors, particularly at work. This should be at least a flat surgical mask. Transmission based precautions apply over and above this recommendation, with P2/N95 masks recommended for high-risk clinical areas including Emergency Departments and COVID care areas.
- Practice physical Distancing if you can. Preference outdoor activities over indoor activities if you can (e.g. take your break outdoors, rather than in the indoor staff areas if they are crowded).
- Practice good hand hygiene.
- Christmas celebration hints:
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- Choose an outdoor location if you can (e.g. balcony, outdoor part of café);
- Have hand sanitiser on hand;
- Preference individual food portion contributions (e.g. cupcakes, muffins, pre-cut items, mini quiche) – avoid bowls of crackers, dips, cheese etc;
- Refrain from contributing if members of your household have gastroenteritis, COVID-19 or Influenza.
Minor Change to Managing Employees Diagnosed with COVID-19 within Metro North
After consultation with our Standard 3 Clinical Advisory Group and Queensland Health, there are some minor changes to our position for entering a high-risk setting (i.e. our hospitals and clinical areas). We recognise that there are sometimes differences in determining the Day 0 – specifically that for many it will be the day of positive test, but on some occasions, the onset of symptoms can be earlier than when a positive test is returned (e.g. a RAT has returned negative, but a follow on PCR a day or two later is positive).
Effective immediately, within Metro North the following guidance applies for staff (employees, contractors and students) entering a high-risk setting:
- At least 7 days have passed since you developed COVID-19 symptoms or received a positive COVID-19 test (whichever is the earlier); and
- The person no longer has any symptoms.
If unsure, your Directorate Infection Control / Infectious Diseases team should be consulted.
This will be reflected within the Queensland Health guidance document in the medium term.
I look forward to returning to my desk next week and, whilst I will be working over the Christmas and New Year period, I hope that those that are having a break get to have some fabulous down time and are able to come back next year refreshed.
Regards,
Dr Liz Rushbrook
Chief Medical Officer
Emergency Management and Business Continuity