Residential aged care homes (RACHs) should conduct a local risk assessment to guide the implementation of public health measures for preventing, preparing for and responding to acute respiratory infections (ARI).
NSW Health has developed guidance that RACHs should consider based on their individual context and risk profile, including vaccination recommendations, entry measures and mask wearing.
In general, masks should be worn by staff when the NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report reports:
Many residents are at higher risk of severe illness if they develop a COVID-19, influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Providers of residential aged care should balance their responsibilities to reduce the risk of COVID-19, influenza, RSV and other infections entering residential aged care homes (RACHs) with meeting the physical, social, and emotional needs of residents.
RACHs should have preparedness plans in place to ensure a timely response to acute respiratory infections.
NSW Health has developed Guidance for Aged Care Homes on the Public Health Management of Acute Respiratory Infections (RACH ARI Guidance) to support RACHs in their outbreak management planning.
