COVID-19 OMICRON UPDATE FOR CARERS
Dear Carers,
In light of increasing cases of COVID-19 within the community, the ACT Government has made some changes between the end of last year and now on the way they will be managing cases and exposures within the ACT.
These changes are taking place as we learn more about the current strain, Omicron, and the way it affects the community at large. Data shows that the current strain is more infectious and likely to spread but appears to be less severe than the previous strains. We are seeing less cases requiring hospitalisation and ICU admissions, and a much lower death rate.
In line with this, ACT Government is adjusting its public health response to focus on providing stronger safety measures for those who are more vulnerable and at risk of developing severe illness.
We have provided the latest information which is relevant to carers below. To ensure that you have access to accurate and up to date information, in the first instance, please refer to the ACT COVID-19 website at www.covid19.act.gov.au or call the COVID-19 Helpline on 02 6207 7244 from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm weekends and Public Holidays.
If you need additional assistance, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us on 02 6296 9900 or email us at carers@carersact.org.au.
Yours truly,
Lisa Kelly
CEO
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CHANGES TO MANAGING COVID CASES, CONTACTS & EXPOSURES IN THE ACT
In response to rising COVID case numbers, the ACT and Commonwealth Governments have made some important changes to how they manage testing, positive cases, household contacts and people who have been exposed to COVID. These changes will help shift the focus to those with the highest risk of contracting COVID and those most at risk from the effects of COVID, which includes people in hospital, aged care and people who are vulnerable to severe disease.
ACT Health will no longer classify people as close or casual contacts and will instead identify the level of exposure they may have had to a person with COVID. These levels will now be classified as high, moderate or low risk. Each level has certain requirements to help reduce the spread of the virus.
The level corresponds to the level of risk that you have been exposed to based on your contact with a COVID positive person. The risk level is mitigated by the amount of time you spent with the COVID person if the contact was inside or outside and the level of contact. We know that risk continues to be lowered through the use of masks, hand hygiene and full PPE use in cases of close personal care.
With this change, ACT Health is no longer publishing exposure sites. Instead, you will only be identified as being at risk through direct contact with a person who then tests positive within the following three days. The person (or the agency, in the case of a worker) will let you know they have tested positive, and you will then be able to assess your risk level and the actions required on the high/moderate/low risk exposure table at www.covid19.act.gov.au
For more information, please refer to this message from the ACT Chief Health Officer.
MANAGING COVID-19 IN ACT HOSPITALS
As COVID-related hospitalisations continue to increase, ACT Health are making changes to the way they manage COVID-19 in hospital settings to ensure that all patients are safe and receive the best care. These changes have been carefully planned and precautions have been put in place to reduce the likelihood of transmission of COVID to highly vulnerable people accessing hospitals and health facilities. This means that our hospitals continue to be safe places to be in the ACT for people who need care but are vulnerable to the impacts of a COVID infection. You should not delay treatment if you or the person you care for needs it.
For more information on how COVID is being managed in our hospitals, please visit: Managing the Omicron variant in our hospitals - COVID-19 (act.gov.au)
TIGHTER VISITOR RESTRICTIONS AT ACT HOSPITALS AND HEALTH FACILITIES
Canberra’s health facilities have reintroduced a no-visitor policy from 26 Dec 2021. No visitors will be permitted to enter health care facilities other than in exceptional circumstances such as end-of-life, birthing or for paediatric care. Visitor restrictions will apply to all hospitals, community health centres and walk-in centres in the ACT. The aim is to reduce the spread within the health workforce to enable the system to continue to provide healthcare.
Carers will be able to continue supporting people they care for who need a high level of assistance to access hospital care, including in the Emergency Department, but this will be limited to one person and only when an exemption is provided. Carers are encouraged to get in contact with any ACT health facility before planning to visit, to understand how this policy might apply to your particular circumstance.
For more information, please visit: Hospital visitor restrictions to tighten after Christmas - COVID-19 (act.gov.au)
INFORMATION FOR PEOPLE WHO TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID
Essential information for people who test positive for COVID-19 is available at: Information for people who test positive for COVID-19 - COVID-19 (act.gov.au).
If you are diagnosed as having COVID in the ACT and you are isolating at home, you will be enrolled into the COVID-19 Care@Home program. The Care@Home team includes doctors and nurses who can support any treatment related to COVID-19 while you are isolating and ensure that your symptoms are managed and properly monitored. You will also find helpful tips on planning for and managing Covid-19 at home at: Managing COVID-19 at home | Health (act.gov.au)
When you register a positive test, ACT Health will provide clear and detailed information on how to remain at home, what to watch out for and when to call for more help. You can also call the numbers provided to ask for assistance or additional supports where needed.
If you are a carer who is providing COVID-19 Care@Home care to someone, and you need help with things like groceries, medication or other household supplies or you just want a chat, you can give us a call and we will be happy to help.
Patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 can get in-person support and advice at the newly opened Garran COVID-19 Walk-in Clinic located at 123 Kitchener Street, Garran. The clinic will provide health care for people who have tested positive for COVID-19 including those who have returned a positive rapid antigen test (RAT).
Treatment will also be provided for patients with non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses such as cuts and abrasions, strains and sprains, bites and stings, infections, and wounds at this clinic.
The Garran Surge Centre walk-in clinic is open seven days a week from 7:30am to 10:00pm. No appointment is needed for this free service.
Find more information at: Garran COVID-19 Clinic
TESTING
ACT Health will now accept positive COVID results obtained through either a PCR (nasal swab administered by someone) or a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) which is self-administered. ACT Government will administer both types of tests through their testing sites free of charge for people with symptoms or who are a close contact.
People with a positive Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) result from a test they have obtained and administered themselves will no longer be required to have a PCR test at an ACT Government testing clinic to confirm that they have COVID-19. Those who have recorded a positive Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) are now able to notify ACT Health directly of their result through the RAT Registration Form on the ACT COVID-19 website.
In-home testing is still available for people who are unable to leave the home due to a disability, if they are frail aged or where the situation meets the criteria. An in-home test can be arranged through contact with ACT Health or by calling us and we can help to make the request through ACT Health.
Carers ACT is actively advocating for easy and free-flowing access to Rapid Antigen Test kits. We are ensuring that carers are well represented and heard by the government as we make a strong appeal for a consistent supply of Rapid Antigen Tests to be made available free of charge to carers. Currently there are challenges in getting a supply of the tests. The Government has indicated that when the tests are available, people with concession cards will be able to access 10 free tests over 3 months from pharmacies. We will continue to lobby that this is not enough for carers who are supporting people in home and accessing multiple workers per week to assist.
The past couple of years have been challenging and are really starting to test our resilience and wellbeing. Carers ACT will continue to provide support for carers through access to counselling, coaching, peer support, wellbeing packages, assistance with respite, emergency respite or just an ear to listen. If you need any assistance, please ask and we will do our best to meet the need.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION AND RESOURCES:
- COVID Care Plan for Parents/Carers of Children - Includes a great COVID Care Plan that could also be applicable in many situations
- Plain English Guides to COVID-19: Easy English documents and videos about the coronavirus
- Emergency Preparedness Planning for COVID-19 - This is a guide to help people with disability to get the facts about COVID-19 and make a plan for how they will manage the impact of this situation
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