Latest Queensland Health COVID-19 update – 31 July 2020
With the recent increase in COVID-19 cases, the Queensland Government has announced extra restrictions for residential aged care facilities in the Metro South Region and neighboring suburbs in the West Moreton region. Suburbs are listed here.
It is important to note the restrictions do not cover disability support services, only residential aged care facilities.
People living and working in these restricted areas can still continue to do their normal activities outside those relating to residential aged care facilities. It also does not mean that there is restricted access to the suburbs themselves.
Aged Care facility restrictions include:
Visitors
- No personal visitors are allowed to enter, including care and support visitors
- Only people providing an essential purpose can enter an Aged Care facility
- End of life visits will still be allowed
- Anyone entering must wear a face mask
Residents
- Aged Care Residents cannot leave the aged care facility except to receive health care, attend a funeral or for an emergency or compassionate reason
- The facility or the Queensland Chief Health Officer can provide exemption on compassionate grounds
Staff
- Aged care facility staff should not work across multiple work places
- Anyone providing medical care, including staff, volunteers or family members, must wear Personal Protective Equipment
These extra restrictions do not apply to disability accommodation, only aged care.
The full Queensland Health public health direction is available here.
It is likely there will continue to be COVID-19 flare ups, so we all need to stay prepared
- Make a Plan – use the QDN COVID-19 Planning Tool to make or update your plan – there is an Easy English version as well
- Have some supplies in case – use the Essential Items Checklist as a guide
- Keep in touch online and with the QDN Facebook site – make sure you have enough data on your device to stay connected
Keep in mind, it is important to:
- Stay home if you are sick
- If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, no matter how mild, call your doctor or 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) and get tested
- Stay 1.5 metres away from other people – think two big steps
- Wash your hands with soap and water, or hand sanitizer
- Leave the location if it is crowded
If you need help, remember the COVID-19 Disability Helpline is always there to answer your questions too. ☎️ Call 1800 643 787. They have Information Officers who can find whatever information you need.