What you need to know

• Positive RAT results no longer require PCR confirmation but must still be reported to Department of Health
• RAT positive cases need day six negative result (RAT or PCR) to exit isolation on day seven (this is not required for a confirmed COVID positive case to exit isolation on day seven)
• DFFH Outbreak Disability Cell (RREM) now require additional information to assist with prioritising disability sector needs
• Workers in residential settings exposed to a COVID positive case can now be managed as a workplace contact, not household, following updated risk matrix

Updated Pandemic Quarantine Isolation and Testing Order comes into effect from 7 January to reflect National Cabinet decisions to reduce time involved in accessing COVID tests and receiving results.

Coronavirus changes include requirements for hospitality and entertainment indoor settings to apply 1:2 square metre density requirements. This may impact participant activities with outdoor activities strongly recommended as a preferred option to lower risk of infection. A work or study from home is recommended until 26 January.

NDS has also received urgent direction from the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing to provide additional information to the Outbreak Disability Cell (RREM) to assist with the high demand for assistance and the need to triage for priority.

DFFH have also informed NDS that providers can now define workers exposed to a COVID positive case in residential settings as a workplace contact and not a household contact as previously advised, reducing some furlough requirements.

COVID-19 testing changes

The Department of Health have updated the Pandemic Quarantine Isolation and Testing Order (No.3) effective January 7:

• A probable case is a person who returns a positive RAT and no longer needs to have this confirmed with a PCR test.
• Asymptomatic workers are recommended to complete a RAT on any five days during the seven days isolation.
• Testing clinics will use both RAT and PCR tests for close contacts and those with symptoms. RAT use at testing centres has been introduced to alleviate pressure on the time involved to access and process PCR tests.
• Quarantine and isolation are seven days for close contacts or confirmed cases.
• Confirmed COVID cases can cease isolation after completion of day seven without further testing.
• Probable cases (positive RAT result) need a negative day six result (RAT or PCR if not available) to cease isolation on day seven.

Reporting positive RAT result

• Workers and participants in disability residential settings who return a positive RAT result are now required to complete the RAT report online form or call the Victorian Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398. Providers are requested to ensure disability residents are supported to complete this requirement. This initiates identification with COVID positive pathway supports and any related financial assistance options. This is in addition to existing requirements for Provider COVID positive case notifications.

• Pandemic (Workplace) Order 2021 (No.2) requires all employers to record and store the list of workers identified as exposed and any results of COVID-19 tests

Providers should inform all workforce of the need to report their COVID-19 test results (PCR or RAT) as part of furlough and return to work evidence of compliance with pandemic orders.

Testing supplies

All Governments have RAT supplies arriving in the coming weeks, however, until supplies are available there will be some strain on the system.

DFFH outbreak supports

Providers are requested to ensure testing or support referral emails to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. include:

• COVID positive person’s full name
• date of birth
• vaccination status
• whether the positive case involves a NDIS participant or disability support worker
• type of test that has been undertaken (RAT or PCR)
• RAT - indicate if the case has COVID-19 symptoms or is a close contact of positive case
• date of the test that has returned a COVID-19 positive result
• address associated with the COVID-19 positive case/outbreak

In-reach testing consent

Ensure all persons to be tested can provide consent or medical decision makers have already provided consent. Outbreak Disability Cell (RREM) are unable to assist in providing test results.

Provider worker contact assessment and furlough

• Staff who work in a residential accommodation setting who are exposed to a diagnosed person are managed as a workplace contact rather than household-like contacts with exposure risk identified in primary care, community based healthcare and emergency services (version 4.0)
• All other workplace contacts to use the industry-based guidelines Case in the workplace
• As a last resort, Outbreak Disability Cell (RREM) can assist urgent workforce needs with activation of the Participant Contingent Care Panel (PCCP) to support providers with continuity of essential services and supports to NDIS participants

PPE supplies

Outbreak Disability Cell (RREM) may be able to assist in facilitating short-term PPE support Community Engagement Logistics team when all other options are exhausted. Please indicate what is needed if requesting assistance.

January COVID update sessions

Living with COVID-19: Information sharing and collaboration series
NDS is restarting fortnightly Victorian provider meetings from 14 January, 12 to 1pm AEDT in response to the current outbreak needs.

Safer and Stronger: COVID 19 check-in
NDS is hosting a national webinar on 12 January,1.30 to 2.30pm AEDT which will focus on the current COVID needs, supports and emerging issues that can be taken up with Governments.

Useful Links

• For Providers - COVID-19 - NDIS website
• Disability provider alerts - Australian Government Department of Health
• Providing disability support services during COVID-19 - Australian Government Department of Health
• NDS COVID-19 hub for information and resources including PPE

Article sourced frm National Disability Services