Risk Exposure and Categorisation of Healthcare Workers Exposed to Covid-19 at Work: Amendments for iteration effective 17th December 2021 Page No. ---
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Key Change Review cycle
Amendments Increased review cycle to 6 weeks (this iteration was due 13.12.21. It was completed late Friday and sent out to the HCSS sector on that date)
Strengthened wording around expectations within non-DHB settings.
Bolded: “Who will be involved in assessing and managing an exposure event will vary according to the healthcare setting.”
Amended definitions of exposures in Table 2
Added: “In non-DHB settings it is recommended that expectations for the responsibilities for the use of this guidance are established in advance with the local Public Health Unit (PHU). In general, this guidance should only be used by a registered health professional, who is nominated by their organisation to take the lead on managing COVID-19 exposure events in their setting. It is important that any exposure events and management of subsequent contacts are appropriately documented.” For Moderate Risk Exposure: “In general, shared indoor space more than 1.5m away…..cumulative 30mins but less than 2 hours in 24 hours” Removed: “…but less than 2 hours”. For High Risk Exposure: Added: “OR • Based on agreed documented individual risk assessment including assessments of occupational exposures and of the physical environment “
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Modified requirements for Level II exposures to ensure alignment with current Casual Plus definitions and to simplify testing requirements. Amended advice for household contacts Note: We have left the column for management of Partial/None vaccinated HCW for this iteration, but it is likely this will be removed for simplicity given only a very few HCW will have vaccine exemptions, but the footnote will remain
Footnote added to Partial/None vaccine column “For exposure events in partially or unvaccinated individuals seek further public health advice” Partial/unvaccinated: “Stay at home until negative day 5 test is available. Return to work after completion of 5 days, negative day 5 test and symptom free for 24 hours” Amended to: “Stay at home for 7 days post exposure and until negative day 5 test is available. Return to work after completion of 7 days, negative day 5 test, and be sure you are symptom free” Vaccinated: “Post exposure testing as directed (eg PCR test days 2 and 5 post exposure or daily RAT for 5 days if approved)” Amended to: “A post exposure PCR test on day 3-5 post exposure (the exact timing can be determined depending on when the exposure becomes notified) “ Added: “Monitor for symptoms for 10 days” “If symptoms develop within 10 days post exposure...self-isolate until negative test result and symptom free for 24 hours” Amended to: “Test if symptomatic, no matter how mild, and stay at home until negative test result and symptom free for 24 hours” Removed: “When not at work, stay at home for 5 days and don’t extend your bubble”
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Modified requirements for Level III exposures
For both exposures occurring on current shift and for exposures prior to current shift “Self-isolate for 10 days, test on ….. post exposure. Can