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Public Health Directive Dissolution
COVID 19 UpdateNews

Public Health Directive Dissolution

By June 28, 2022No Comments

GENERAL NOTIFICATION

Notification 1 July 2022, Public Health Directive Dissolution

As the management of COVID-19 across the world continues to stabilise, the Tasmanian Government will dissolve the existing Public Health Directives specific to the management of COVID-19 from 1 July 2022. These directives have guided the aged care sector during the Pandemic.

This means that how we respond to the risk of COVID-19 and any associated outbreaks in our aged care services will no longer be directed by the State Government. It is important to note that individual services must now determine how best to manage this change in Government policy.

OneCare Limited will take a risk-based approach in managing any future COVID-19 exposure and in doing so, we are asking for your help to keep our residents and staff safe.

The following information is to provide a level of guidance in anticipation of the 1 July 2022 changes and will be reviewed and updated at the end of the winter months (1 September 2022).

For Staff

  • N95/P2 level masks will be replaced with surgical masks.
  • Staff are required to continue wearing masks in the workplace, this is a strong form of defence.
  • Any COVID-19 exposures within the service will be managed like any other outbreak (influenza, gastroenteritis etc) where the level of PPE required will increase based on risk.
  • Public Health Directives may still apply depending on the type of disease exposure.
  • Entry screening will no longer be required for employees into the service.
  • COVID-19 payments will cease given the high vaccination rates and public immunity.
  • RAT testing will no longer be required, although supplies remain available as needed until existing supplies are exhausted.

Corporate Staff

  • Masks are no longer required in the Corporate Office, although staff attending a OneCare service will need to follow entry requirements where mask wearing is still required.
  • Entry screening will no longer be required.

For Contractors

  • Entry screening for contractors will remain in place, this will help us reduce any potential exposure risk.
  • N95/P2 level masks will be replaced with surgical masks and contractors are required to continue wearing masks whilst working inside a OneCare building. Masks are not required if working outdoors or in areas that are deemed low risk (i.e. minimal to no direct resident contact).
  • RAT testing will no longer be required to enter the service.

For Residents

  • Staff are required to continue wearing surgical masks in the workplace but can be removed for short periods to improve communication as needed.
  • Surgical masks are available to all residents should you wish to use them during external appointments or within the service at any time.
  • If you are exposed to COVID-19, test positive for COVID-19 or display any flu like symptoms, staff may commence isolation procedures to reduce the risk of further exposure.
  • COVID-19 will be treated the same as influenza or gastroenteritis and Public Health Directives may still apply depending on the type of disease exposure.
  • RAT testing will no longer be required, although supplies remain available as needed until existing supplies are exhausted.

For Families

  • Entry screening for visitors will remain in place, this will help us reduce any potential exposure risk.
  • N95/P2 level masks will be replaced with surgical masks and visitors are required to continue wearing masks whilst visiting inside a OneCare building. Masks are not required if visiting outdoors. Masks can be removed for short periods to improve communication as needed.
  • RAT testing will no longer be required to enter the service.

The transition to living with COVID-19 within our community will continue to raise challenges over the coming weeks and months. We anticipate there will be circumstances that may result in reduced visitation hours in order to manage any identified risk/exposure. We are, however, committed to keeping any such restrictions to a minimum.

Thank you for your ongoing understanding and support as we flex with the changing circumstances specific to COVID-19 management. As indicated, OneCare Limited will review this interim approach prior to 1 September 2022 following the winter months.

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