When to contact the Public Health Unit
Please contact the Public Health Unit if 2 or more Residents test positive for COVID-19, Influenza or RSV within 72 hours (as per flow chart below).
Source: Guidance for Residential Aged Care Facilities on the public health management of Acute Respiratory Infections (including COVID-19 and Influenza)
Resources and Guidelines
NSW Health
COVID-19: Advice for aged care services - COVID-19 (Coronavirus) (nsw.gov.au) Information and resources for aged care services including residential aged care facilities, Commonwealth Home Support Programme, assessment services, home care package providers, multi-purpose services, respite care and transition care.
Australian Government, Department of Health
- National Guidelines for the Prevention, Control and Public Health Management of Outbreaks of Acute Respiratory Infection in Residential Care
- First 24 hours – managing COVID-19 in a residential aged care facility describes the steps you should take in the first 24 hours following identification of a COVID-19 case.
Testing advice
From 1 May 2024, providers need to source PPE and RAT kits through their own commercial suppliers. Supplies can no longer be requested via the My Aged Care portal. Government support for providers and workers
- RATs should be the first line of testing for newly symptomatic residents or clients, including during a COVID-19 outbreak.
- People who are a higher risk of severe disease from COVID-19 and have new respiratory symptoms, but who are RAT negative should get a respiratory PCR (COVID-19, influenza & RSV minimum).
- PCR testing remains available through the usual Medicare referral pathways with a signed form provided by a doctor or nurse practitioner.