COVID-19 Outbreak Management
Outbreak Definition of COVID-19: Two or more residents of a residential aged care facility who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 via RAT or PCR test within five days of each other and have been onsite at the residential aged care facility at any time during their infectious period; or five or more employees, visitors and/or residents of the residential aged care facility diagnosed with COVID-19 through RAT or PCR test within the past seven days who worked or visited during their infectious period.
If an outbreak of COVID-19 has been declared, the first 24 hours are critical in minimising the impact of the infection on residents and employees.
Immediate actions need to include
Isolate
Set up PPE station and signage
Cohort healthcare workers, working areas
Provide a single bathroom, bedroom, observation, and care equipment to the affected resident
Implement the management plan for essential visitors (Partners in Care/Named Visitors/compassionate visitors) to continue to connect with residents
PPE Required For Outbreak Management
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Gloves N95/P2 respirator mask Disposable long-sleeved gowns Face shield or eye protection PPE and hand hygiene refresher training for employees Use Standard Precautions and Transmission-Based Precautions to minimise transmission |
Communicate
Explain isolation precautions to the resident and why they are necessary
Notify the leadership team to assist
Notify the Doctor to provide guidance and treatment
Notify all employees to ensure understanding of tasks required in an outbreak (including kitchen, laundry, and cleaning)
Notify the family, provide reassurance, and make the family aware of visiting requirements/restrictions in an outbreak
A thorough handover is required between shifts, including affected residents and those at risk
Assess
Monitor all residents twice daily for symptoms, isolate, test, report, and document any residents with symptoms
Check sufficient PPE, testing equipment, hand hygiene, waste disposal, and cleaning stock are available
Identify vulnerable healthcare workers for alternative duties
Ensure healthcare workers understand to not work at other facilities during an outbreak
Healthcare workers are not to attend work if they are sick, although they can return to work when symptoms have cleared
Screen any visitors to the facility before entering
Ensure visitors entering wear PPE
Documentation
All resident and employee vaccination status
Record all assessments and actions taken in residents' medical records