Protecting Older Australians - COVID-19 Update 28 October 2020

Published 3rd November 2020

GUIDANCE FOR AGED CARE FACILITIES DEALING WITH COVID-19 IN VICTORIA

The Victorian Aged Care Response Centre (VACRC) has developed a number of resources and guidance for aged care facilities dealing with an outbreak of COVID-19. This includes advice on communicating with families.

Resources include factsheets on establishing and maintaining ongoing communications with residents, nominated representatives, families and staff in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak and a contact details template. In addition, factsheets are available on personal protective equipment and visiting residential aged care facilities in Victoria.

A new factsheet has been developed for aged care staff looking after elderly residents. This provides guidance for managing the risk to older people’s physical, nutritional and psycho-social status. Even where residents are COVID-19 negative, lockdown, isolation and disruption to usual activities, processes and supports can still have a major impact on residents.

NATIONAL REOPENING FRAMEWORK

The Framework for National Reopening builds on the 3-Step Framework for a COVIDSafe Australia, to nationally reopen to a state of ‘COVID Normal’, wherever it is safe to do so, by December 2020.

The aim of the framework is to provide consideration and guidance for a reopening of Australia whilst managing the health impacts and severity of COVID-19.

The framework includes:

• Key principles and pillars to support a COVIDSafe Australia
• Best practice health components
• Industry preparedness, restrictions and risk mitigation for business
• Proposed steps and timings summary
• The proposed new three step framework

It is important that you continue to keep up to date with the latest state/territory requirements. States and territories have the decision making authority in relation to public health measures.

The framework has not been endorsed by the Western Australian Government.

UPDATED ADVICE FOR NEW RESIDENTIAL AND HOME CARE SERVICES  

NSW Health has written to the state’s Residential Aged Care Providers and Home Care Services with new advice. Key updates include:

• Staff who have been in Shepparton are no longer excluded.
• There remains a risk of community transmission in NSW and wearing of masks provides an additional barrier of protection. As a precaution NSW Health recommends over the next week all facilities and home care providers plan for all staff to wear surgical masks when at work.
• Exclude visitors if they have been in the following areas in the 14 days: Liverpool LGA, Camden LGA, Bayside LGA, Waverley LGA and Randwick LGA. Some visitors may be allowed after a risk assessment and when extra measures are put in place.

Facilities are urged to monitor the latest COVID-19 news and updated locations, for any areas of concern.

Source:
Unknown Author, 2020, Department of Health