All states and territories have now reached the fully COVID vaccinated target rates, and borders are now reopened. This new phase in the pandemic will present a new set of challenges for us all.
As you are aware, we take our responsibility for keeping you safe, very seriously. We do this by:
However, we also have a responsibility to keep our nursing team safe in their workplace (i.e. your home). To do this we are introducing the following process:
We will continue to monitor and modify our approach as needed.
If you fulfil ANY of the above criteria or have any close contacts with flu-like symptoms (whether or not they have been tested for COVID-19) and have treatment due with View Health it is extremely important that you contact our office on 1300 466 324 so we can discuss your treatment arrangements. You can also call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080 for advice.
Please note at this time, whilst we always make every attempt to accommodate your specific requests around treatment days and times, our first priority is to provide safe care to our patients as we all navigate the changing health and community requirements. We. therefore, ask you to limit requests to address only essential needs. We thank you for your understanding.
People having cancer therapies such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy and people with medical conditions requiring immunotherapies, such as infliximab, vedolizumab and ustekinumab for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, natalizumab and ocrelizumab for Multiple Sclerosis, and infliximab, tocilizumab, abatacept, and rituximab for Arthritic conditions are at increased risk of infection, including COVID-19*. Infection with COVID-19 in these people may result in hospitalisation, serious complications, or death.
COVID-19 is most likely to spread from person to person through:
Close contacts of a person with a confirmed infection (such as people staying in the same house or sharing a closed space for a prolonged length of time) are most at risk of infection.
#Note: please keep up-to-date with mask requirements within your State or Territory. If you are in a high-risk group you are encouraged to wear a mask. If you wear a mask it is important you wear it properly (over your mouth and nose) and do not touch your face to make adjustments, which may potentially be increasing the risk of infection.
You may test for COVID using either a self-administered RAT or at a testing clinic (PCR or RAT). If you have flu-like symptoms (as above) contact the National Coronavirus Health Information Line. They will be able to provide the most up-to-date information on the location of your closest testing facility. If your symptoms are serious you may be admitted to the hospital and isolated from other patients to prevent further spread of the virus.
Environment
Think about your home and how you might isolate yourself or a member of your family if they are COVID positive. Consider how you can limit the use of communal areas (especially bathrooms) and improve ventilation. Clean down any communal areas with Clinell wipes, which kill coronavirus, after use. Clinell wipes can be bought online and from pharmacies, Officeworks etc.
Supplies
Put in place backups for obtaining groceries, meals and other household needs using “no contact”. Have betadine sore throat gargle, paracetamol and ibuprofen on hand as well as gloves and masks. Obtain RAT kits (at least 2 for each member of your family). Obtain a pulse oximeter (to measure the oxygen in your blood), or check your smartphone/fitness device to see if it does this already.
How to take care if infected
Take warm showers, drink lots of fluid, and get lots of rest. Watch for worsening signs of infection, indicating hospitalization required:
Take care of your mental health
Stay connected with family and friends. Have movies, books or other activities ready to provide entertainment.
After the infectious period has passed and symptoms are gone
Wait 24 hours and clean all surfaces with Clinell wipes wearing a mask and gloves.
Australian Government Department of Health
https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov
Western Australia
https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/coronavirus
South Australia
Victoria
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
New South Wales
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx
Queensland
*Please note this list of medications is not exhaustive, it merely outlines the types of treatment View Health routinely administers. Other medications may affect the immune system as well.