Covid-19 Testing in General Practice
16 September 2021
Key recent updates for clinicians: • •
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Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms should be tested MOH has suspended the requirement for notification to Medical Officer of Health of people who meet HIS criteria due to being in regions with emerging outbreaks (those who have been at a location of interest during the identified period of time must still be notified) See the most recent MOH Testing Guidance People should be tested if symptomatic (or subject to mandatory testing) regardless of vaccination status Systemic reactions to COVID-19 vaccination are common, especially after the second dose. However, new respiratory symptoms, loss of smell or taste, fever of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, or muscle aches getting worse over time, warrant COVID-19 testing
Advice for Testing Asymptomatic Individuals Read the most recent Testing Guidance for guidance on asymptomatic testing. At all Alert levels, everyone (including children and elderly) needs to be tested if they are: • • • • •
Subject to a Border order or Section 70 notice** Close or casual plus contacts of a confirmed COVID 19 case. Recommended to by a Medical Officer of Health Part of Alert level 4 surveillance testing for essential workers and healthcare workers Required to by updated guidance from the Ministry of Health. **Unless provided with an exemption by a Medical Officer of Health or a qualified health practitioner
HIS Criteria: Any of the following 14 days prior to illness: - international travel, - direct contact with a person who has travelled overseas (e.g. customs and Immigration staff, staff at quarantine/isolation facilities), - worked on international aircraft or shipping vessel, - cleaned at international airport or maritime port in areas/conveniences visited by international arrivals, - exited MIQ facility (excluding recovered cases), - worked in cold store facility receiving imported chilled/frozen goods from international air/maritime port, - travelled from an area with an evolving COVID-19 community outbreak, - any other criteria requested by the local Medical Officer of Health. Please note, this can update regularly. Most up-to-date information on HIS Criteria found on MOH website.
PPE Requirements Read MOH Guidelines on PPE Usage for up to date information
Covid-19 Claiming on Halcyon See the following information overleaf giving information on current Covid-19 Claiming Structure on Halcyon