{"id":4207,"date":"2020-09-28T12:36:59","date_gmt":"2020-09-28T02:36:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/extranet\/?p=4207"},"modified":"2020-09-28T12:36:59","modified_gmt":"2020-09-28T02:36:59","slug":"25-sep-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/metronorth.health.qld.gov.au\/extranet\/covid-ic\/25-sep-2020","title":{"rendered":"25 Sept 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"Metro<\/span><\/div>
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Dear colleagues,<\/p>\n

It\u2019s amazing how quickly things\u00a0can\u00a0change\u00a0from\u00a0week to week, let alone day to day! We have officially scaled back from a Tier\u00a02\u00a0(minus)\u00a0COVID-19\u00a0response to\u00a0Tier\u00a00<\/a>\u00a0as of this morning.\u00a0We\u2019ve learnt a lot as an organisation by stepping up to Tier 2 and will be well-prepared for whatever comes next. I can\u2019t thank you enough for your compliance and cooperation over the last few weeks.\u00a0The message outlines some of the changes\u00a0in\u00a0our response status and some information that came out of today\u2019s\u00a0vidcast\u00a0(online<\/a>\u00a0now if you missed it).<\/p>\n

Mask wearing<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yesterday Alanna provided an update on the increased PPE levels across Metro North. Mandatory mask wearing in clinical areas is no longer necessary except for standard PPE requirements. If you would like to wear a mask, you must wear one provided by the organisation.\u00a0This applies to emergency departments and home-based care as well, no extra PPE\u00a0required\u00a0on top of your standard precautions.<\/p>\n

Visitor restrictions eased<\/strong><\/p>\n

This update was included in yesterday\u2019s message. If you would like some more clarification, please visit the\u00a0Queensland Health website<\/a>\u00a0as we are aligning with their policies. Directorates can\u00a0enforce their own arrangements if they choose to do so.<\/p>\n

Closed entries\/ exits<\/strong><\/p>\n

I\u2019m aware of closed and separate entries end exits across different Metro North facilities that were put in place to manage physical distancing and keeping one another safe. Now that we are at a Tier\u00a00\u00a0response, the decision to revert to standard entries and exits will be up to the Executive Director of each facility.<\/p>\n

COVIDSafe app<\/strong><\/p>\n

The running of concierge desks is no longer a requirement. We are, however, strongly advising staff and visitors to download the\u00a0COVIDSafe app<\/a>\u00a0to help support contact tracing. Precise and efficient contact tracing helps us to detect other possible cases and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community.<\/p>\n

Working from home arrangements<\/strong><\/p>\n

As we are in a Tier 0 response,\u00a0staff\u00a0will\u00a0be\u00a0to returning\u00a0to the workplace\u00a0over the next few days.\u00a0It remains important to keep\u00a0our hygiene\u00a0practices and\u00a0physically distant.\u00a0If physical distancing is not possible please\u00a0discuss\u00a0options with your line manage to accommodate this.<\/p>\n

Emergency Operations Centre activity<\/strong><\/p>\n

Despite dropping to a Tier 0 response, staff in our EOC continue to support and work with the State to manage those entering Queensland.\u00a0This operation\u00a0includes taking care of around 2,955\u00a0people in\u00a0hotel quarantine and tending to their complex healthcare needs. The team also continue to stay on top of PPE stock levels, medication stocktakes and\u00a0ongoing meetings with\u00a0statewide\u00a0groups to make sure we continue to keep Queenslanders safe.<\/p>\n

Keep doing what you\u2019re doing!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Despite all the changes listed above, it is\u00a0imperative\u00a0that you continue to:<\/p>\n