Residents of residential aged care facilities are at increased risk of COVID-19 infection and are more vulnerable to serious complications if they do become infected. As there is currently no vaccination to prevent COVID-19, avoidance of exposure is the single most important measure for preventing COVID-19 in this setting.
Residential aged care facilities must implement measures to prevent introduction of COVID-19 into their facility and ensure they are prepared to manage outbreaks of COVID-19 if they occur. Detailed guidelines on managing outbreaks are provided in the Australian Department of Health’s COVID-19 guidelines for outbreaks in residential care facilities.
The guidelines outline specific additional measures recommended by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) to prevent the introduction of COVID-19 into residential aged care facilities. The principles are also applicable to many settings including residential facilities for people with physical and mental disabilities, detention and correctional centres.
The following staff and visitors should not be permitted to enter the facility:
To reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 to residents, facilities should implement the following measures for restricting visits and visitors:
In addition:
The recommendations outlined may be altered according to the particular circumstance of the resident, including those who are in palliative care or residents in dementia units, which should be considered on a case-by-case basis. These situations may necessitate increased social contact with visitors.
In relation to the movement of residents in and out of the facility:
Contact your public health unit immediately on 1300 066 055 if three or more cases of influenza like illness (ILI) occur within 3 days, or if there is suspicion of COVID-19 transmission.
Signage and other forms of communication (i.e. information and factsheets) must be used to convey key messages, including what actions the facility is taking to protect visitors, residents and staff, and explaining what they can do to protect themselves and their family members. This includes signs on appropriate hand washing techniques upon entry and throughout the facility. Staff should:
Facilities must ensure that the following are available at the entrance of the facility and in each resident’s room:
Consult the CEC infection prevention and control information page for technical assistance and signage: Clinical Excellence Commission: Coronavirus COVID-19.
Residential aged care facilities are responsible for establishing emergency plans in the event of disease outbreaks or broader community epidemics. Many facilities will have existing plans focused on influenza and gastroenteritis, and these can be built upon to prepare for COVID-19. Emergency plans should include: