COVID-19 Testing Framework Implementation Plan ...

1 COVID-19 Testing Framework Implementation Plan - February 2022 Version COV ID-19 COVID-19 Testing Framework Implementation Plan February 2022 COVID-19 Testing Framework Implementation Plan - February 2022 Page 2 Document COVID-19 Testing Framework Implementation Plan Purpose To provide best practice guidance to health professionals involved in the Testing for COVID-19 . This document should be read in conjunction with: Supporting Documents National CDNA and PHLN CDNA National Guidelines for Public Health Units Public Health Laboratory Network guidance on laboratory Testing for SARS-CoV-1 (the virus that causes COVID-19 ) QH COVID advice Personal protective equipment (PPE )

2 | COVID-19 | Queensland Healt h Queensland Health Infection Control Guidelines Guide to informed decision-making in healthcare Consumer healthcare rights The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights Aeromedical retrievals COVID-19 information for aeromedical retrieval of patients Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Queensland Public Health Guidelines for Managing a COVID-19 outbreak in First Nations communities Testing Checklist for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander COVID-19 POC Testing Program Guidelines Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services Pandemic Response Toolkit Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Queensland Health CALD COVID-19 Policy and Action Plan Australian Red Cross Communicating in Recovery (best practice principles around engagement with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds)

3 COVID-19 Translated Resources Disability Responding to a suspected case of COVID-19 in disability accommodation and residential services Information for disability support workers and carers on coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) Testing for people with a disability Supporting documents Residential aged care CDNA National Guidelines for the prevention, control and public health management of COVID-19 outbreaks in residential care facilities in Australia Pandemic Response Guidance Personal Protective Equipment in Residential aged care and Disability Accommodation Services Infection Control Expert Group (ICEG) Coronavirus ( COVID-19 )

4 Guidelines for infection Prevention and Control in Residential aged care Facilities COVID-19 Testing Framework Implementation Plan - February 2022 Page 3 Document COVID-19 Testing Framework Implementation Plan Correctional facility residents CDNA National Guidelines for the Prevention, Control and Public Health Management of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Correctional and Detention Facilities in Australia Meat and poultry processing workers Managing the risk of coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) exposure: Meat and poultry processing Meat & Poultry Processing Facility Assessment Toolkit COVID-19 Testing Framework Implementation Plan - February 2022 Page 4 Background The Testing Framework for COVID-19 in Queensland ( Testing Framework ) is intended to outline the full suite of Testing options for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19 ) for clinicians and decision-makers in Queensland to optimise case ascertainment and surveillance and inform the public health response.

5 The Framework outlines the priority settings in which Testing is currently being conducted or proposed to be conducted for COVID-19 and emphasises that the highest priority group for Testing is people with symptoms of the disease. The needs of rural and remote populations are integrated into the overall Testing strategy. The Testing Framework is supported by specific consideration of Testing strategies for the following population groups or settings: 1. quarantine travellers and close contacts of confirmed cases 2.

6 People undergoing aeromedical retrieval 3. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities 4. people experiencing homelessness 5. people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities 6. residential aged care settings 7. people with disability 8. congregate living and working settings. Purpose This document provides guidance on the strategies that have been or will be implemented by Queensland Health to ensure that adequate COVID-19 Testing is available to all Queenslanders, where indicated for clinical or public health reasons.

7 Note: Knowledge about COVID-19 is evolving and therefore Queensland Health will continue to review and update this Testing strategy as new information becomes available. COVID-19 Testing Framework Implementation Plan - February 2022 Page 5 1 Testing Strategy Summary Objectives To ensure early detection of COVID-19 in Queensland through a Testing strategy that: 1. Ensures that Testing is accessible and that the most appropriate type of Testing is used for each individual s situation 2. Triggers early Implementation of appropriate infection control measures 3.

8 Informs a rapid and effective public health response 4. Triggers activation of Queensland Government rapid response plans and 5. Has regard for the wellbeing, rights and dignity, including a priority focus on consent, advocacy and support for people being tested for COVID-19 . Principles The following key principles apply to the Testing strategy: 1. A risk-based approach is adopted to consider the likelihood of exposure, such as the characteristics of the setting, the nature and needs of people living in these environments, the nature of work performed and the mechanisms available for people to protect themselves from infection in these settings.

9 2. The Testing capacity must be used to best effect. 3. Testing is reliant on effective prevention, screening and surveillance strategies. 4. Testing is universally available it is not restricted based on factors such as financial capacity to pay, legal status, residency, cultural background, age or disability. 5. Testing is encouraged and offered to the benefit of the individual, their family and friends, and the wider community. 6. Testing is reliant on action being taken on the Testing results at an individual, community and population level.

10 Action includes a comprehensive approach to treat, isolate and contact trace to suppress transmission. 7. Testing , including in management of Testing lines, to prioritise access to the symptomatic, frail, elderly, people with disability and priority groups, such as teachers and school children, and other groups as identified from time-to-time. The testi ng strategy and its Implementation are underpinned by the principles of the Australian Charter of Healthcare rights (1): 1. Equity of access to Testing 2.