COVID-19 weekly update – 14 September 2022

COVID-19 cases in the region

Over the last four weeks there were 12, 453 cases of COVID in the region however please continue to urge vigilance and maintain adherence to infection control protocols. 

Please note that the actual number of cases is likely to be much more. For further information please go to the latest NSW COVID statistics.

Infection control and wearing masks (staff and patients) is critically important. Practices are asked to ensure that their most vulnerable populations are fully vaccinated and where possible to ensure children with respiratory illnesses get access to care. If you would like an infectious control consultation or any other support, email coronvirus@cesphn.com.au

Changes to COVID-19 isolation period

Self isolation guide

The self-isolation period for people in NSW diagnosed with COVID-19 will reduce from seven days to five days tomorrow, Friday 9 September in line with last week’s decision by National Cabinet.

People who test positive will need to comply with the NSW Health Factsheet which will require them to:

• If they had a positive rapid antigen test (RAT), register this on the Service NSW website.
• Self-isolate immediately for five days from the day their positive test was taken. If a person continues to have acute symptoms, such as a sore throat, runny nose, cough, or shortness of breath, they are to remain in self-isolation for seven days from the day of their test.
• Not enter certain high-risk settings for seven days after they had their positive test. This includes healthcare (hospital premises, public clinics, and private health facilities), residential aged care, and residential disability care facilities.
• Tell people that they live with that they have tested positive and self-isolate from them as much as possible.
• Tell people they spent time with from the two days before they started having symptoms or two days before they tested positive (whichever came first) that they have COVID-19.

COVID-19 response update webinar

• About: primary care update on the COVID-19 response and the vaccine rollout – key updates and Q&A
• Thursday 2 September 2022 at 12:00pm to 12:30pm (AEST) – **note new time
• Click link to join

Free infection control advice on Zoom

CESPHN is offering specialised one-on-one Zoom consultations with an experienced primary care infection control educator to assist with infection control procedures.

GPs should consider facilitating either telehealth or in person consultation for patients with respiratory symptoms. When in person consultation is indicated, the patient should be given a surgical mask and hand sanitiser and practice staff should wear eye protection and a mask.

To book a session, email coronavirus@cesphn.com.au with the subject line: “Yes I would like infection control advice”.

CESPHN Vax at Home service

The CESPHN Vax at Home Service is for those people who are housebound and not able to leave their house to receive a COVID-19 vaccination or booster. The service will accept referrals for people 16 years and over. Referrals will be accepted from GPs and from Local Health Districts. Patient self-referrals will not be accepted.

All referrals must be sent through this Vax at Home Service Online Form. Please also indicate if an influenza vaccine is also required. Please note, a referral will need to be attached to the online form. For further information on the program, please contact us.

Ordering process for PPE

Access to PPE is now via Living with COVID PPE Bundles ordered nationally through PHNs using an online order form and delivered directly by a national distributor (rather than via PHNs). Access to PPE from the National Medical Stockpile is dependent on eligibility, and PPE volumes will be monitored by the Commonwealth Department of Health.

General Practice, ACCHS and GPRCs ordering information

Living with COVID PPE Bundles are available for:

• GPs, ACCHS and GPRCs willing to manage COVID positive patients face-to-face, until 30 September 2022.
• ACCHSs and rural and remote GPs willing to treat COVID positive patients virtually and respiratory patients face-to-face, where workforce capacity is limited AND the GP is serving the community for most of all health needs, until 30 September 2022.
• GPs and GPRCs willing to support COVID positive people virtually, and respiratory patients face to face, until 30 September 2022.

Orders can only be placed once per month and be submitted to the PHN via the online form.

Please read the guidance document before placing your first order:

GP, ACCHS and GPRC: Completing New PPE Order Form Guide

GP, ACCHA and GPRC online ordering form

PPE for the health workforce during COVID-19

PPE for COVID-19 includes surgical masks, particulate filter respirators (such as P2 or N95), gloves, goggles, glasses, face shields, gowns and aprons. For more information go to COVID PPE Information for Health Professionals.

Accessing pulse oximeters for your patients

Individual patients – we have access to a small supply of oximeters. GPs with patients they believe require a pulse oximeter urgently are asked to complete this CESPHN Pulse Oximeter online form with the patients details and we will arrange delivery of an oximeter.

General practices – practices actively seeing moderate risk COVID positive patients can also be sent up to 10 pulse oximeters per practice via the new PPE online ordering form. If your practice has already received 10 pulse oximeters via the previous process, you will need to access future stock through your local suppliers.