Late last night the Victorian Premier announced that a new case of COVID-19 had been detected in a hotel quarantine worker. While this is disappointing following several weeks of no community transmission, it is something we are obviously familiar with now and as the Premier said, ‘we know what to do’.
Western Health is monitoring the evolving situation closely and we have our expert infectious diseases advisors to guide us.
The Victorian Government has now renewed the mandate for masks to be worn in Aged Care Facilities and Hospitals in all areas, both clinical and non clinical. The effect of this for Western Health staff is that masks must now be worn at all times when you are indoors on Western Health premises, including in administrative areas, unless you are the only person in a room, or when you are eating or drinking.
The limit on the number of people you can have in your own home will also be reduced from 30 to 15 and that Victorian Government directive is now in place.
The Victorian Department of Health has issued a list of exposure sites relating to this latest case and I would urge you to check this list and return to it regularly as it will change and be updated frequently. Visit the Case Locations and Outbreaks page for a listing of potential exposure sites .
We need to be vigilant about staff who have been in the exposure sites at relevant times. These staff are urged NOT to attend work and to contact the Staff Enquiries email whscovid-19staffclinicenquiries@wh.org.au to advise of their circumstances.
For details on Respiratory Assessment Clinic opening hours click here.
All staff are reminded that it is more important than ever to complete the attestation on arrival at work and to test and isolate until you have results, if you have even the mildest of symptoms.
A summary of what staff need to do for COVID-Normal daily practice is found here. The attestation can be accessed here or via the QR codes located throughout the organisation.
Please communicate these messages widely and discuss the changed measures with your teams.
Regards
Natasha