Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation Covid-19 Update - 15th Feb 2021 Good afternoon Practice Managers, PHO acknowledges the pressure that comes to bear on general practice with a new confirmed case in the community and what a great job practices do in this everchanging COVID environment. Please reach out to your GP Liaison, myself or Phil Back if you are unable to cope with any increased demand.
What are the Implications for General Practice of the return to COVID Level 2: See Information here https://covid19.govt.nz/alert-system/alert-level-2/
Quick Reminder Summary: • Screen for respiratory illness and assess in dedicated areas/car • No changes to PPE recommendations at this stage • Consider phone /video consults • Minimise appointments to <15 minutes where possible • 2m distancing where possible (between patients / staff and patients) • 1m distancing between staff • Sanitiser for everyone on entry and regular wipe down of ‘high traffic’ areas • All visitors to the practice should scan in (patients with booked appointments are tracked through the appointment schedule but anyone accompanying them should scan/sign in) Maximum gatherings of 100. **Planned proactive care can still occur at Level 2 – (smears, immunisations etc)
Level 2 Risk Assessment for PPE:
Guide the PPE precautions https://www.health.govt.nz/system/files/documents/pages/alert-level-2ppe-guidelines-unknown-covid-status-22sept2020.pdf Practices are reporting that concerned asymptomatic patients who have visited Auckland recently are calling wanting to be tested – suggested advice is below:
Handling Queries from patients: •
Anyone who is symptomatic should be encouraged to have a swab irrespective of recent travel/ contacts.
Asymptomatic patients: •
Who have been to locations of interest on the specified days/times: - need to check against the MOH list for further instructions (more information on advice for those patients later in this document)
•
Who have visited Auckland or New Plymouth recently but NOT visited a location of interest or been contacted by Public Health: - DO NOT NEED TO BE TESTED
It is important that those who DO NOT need testing are reassured and encouraged not to attend the practice to reduce additional pressure on resources. Please see updated Medical Certificate (15 Feb 21) incorporating the current advice to be used in these scenarios.