pandemic plan - westwimmera.vic.gov.au

0 | P a g e

PANDEMIC PLAN

2020-2023

VERSION 3.0

Quick References

• Pandemic influenza plan – p14

Content

• Roles & responsibilities – p15

• Relief & Recovery – p18

• Support for isolated or quarantined people – p18

• Control Strategies- p19

• Communications - p24

• Immunisation – p22

• Mass Fatality – p23

Appendices

• A : Council pandemic response procedures – p24

• B : Vulnerable groups – p34

• C : Signage – p37

• D : Storage, funeral and burial – p39

• E : Contacts – p40

• F: Abbreviations – p44

• G: Glossary of terms – p45-46

• H : References – p47

1 | P a g e

2 | P a g e

Contents Authority and Endorsement ................................................................................................................................................ 4

Authority ................................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Endorsement ........................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Adoption ................................................................................................................................................................................. 5

Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................................................. 5

Disclaimer ............................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Document Information ........................................................................................................................................................ 6

Amendment Register .............................................................................................................................................................. 6

Administrative Updates .......................................................................................................................................................... 6

Review and Major Updates ..................................................................................................................................................... 6

Glossary and Acronyms ........................................................................................................................................................... 7

Statistical Data........................................................................................................................................................................ 7 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................................ 8

Aim .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Objectives ............................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Plan Review ............................................................................................................................................................................. 8 Definitions .......................................................................................................................................................................... 9

Pandemic ................................................................................................................................................................................ 9

Influenza ................................................................................................................................................................................. 9 Pandemic Influenza ............................................................................................................................................................. 9

Mode of Transmission ............................................................................................................................................................. 9

Physical Health...................................................................................................................................................................... 10

Mental Health ....................................................................................................................................................................... 10 West Wimmera Shire Pandemic Influenza Vulnerability Profile ........................................................................................ 11 West Wimmera Shire Health Services ............................................................................................................................... 12 Pandemic Plan................................................................................................................................................................... 14

Activation .............................................................................................................................................................................. 14 Roles and Responsibilities ................................................................................................................................................. 15

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) ............................................................................................................. 15

Health Services and Primary Health Care ............................................................................................................................. 15

West Wimmera Shire ............................................................................................................................................................ 16

Commercial Groups, Not for Profit groups, Residents and Visitors ...................................................................................... 16

Business Continuity Plans...................................................................................................................................................... 17 Support: Relief and Recovery ............................................................................................................................................ 18

Relief and Recovery ............................................................................................................................................................... 18

Support for Isolated or Quarantined people ......................................................................................................................... 18 Control Strategies ............................................................................................................................................................. 19

Basic Precautions .................................................................................................................................................................. 19

Education and Training ......................................................................................................................................................... 22

3 | P a g e

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ................................................................................................................................... 22

Social Distancing ................................................................................................................................................................... 22

Restricting Workplace Entry ................................................................................................................................................. 23 Communications ............................................................................................................................................................... 24

State Communication Plan ................................................................................................................................................... 24

Council Communication Plan ................................................................................................................................................ 24

Internal Communication: ...................................................................................................................................................... 24

External Communication....................................................................................................................................................... 24 Immunisation .................................................................................................................................................................... 25 Mass fatality ..................................................................................................................................................................... 26

Storage .................................................................................................................................................................................. 26

Burial sites............................................................................................................................................................................. 26 Appendix A: Council pandemic response procedures ........................................................................................................ 27

No novel strain detected ....................................................................................................................................................... 27

Standing by for response ...................................................................................................................................................... 28

Initial response ...................................................................................................................................................................... 29

Low clinical severity .............................................................................................................................................................. 31

Moderate clinical severity ..................................................................................................................................................... 33

High clinical severity ............................................................................................................................................................. 35 Appendix B: Vulnerable groups ......................................................................................................................................... 37

Existing vulnerable groups .................................................................................................................................................... 37

Emerging vulnerable groups ................................................................................................................................................. 38 Appendix C: Signage .......................................................................................................................................................... 39 Appendix D: Storage, funeral and burial considerations to be completed locally .............................................................. 42

Funeral Directors................................................................................................................................................................... 42

Cemeteries ............................................................................................................................................................................ 42 Appendix E: Contacts ........................................................................................................................................................ 43

Health Services ...................................................................................................................................................................... 43

Pharmacies ........................................................................................................................................................................... 43

Maternal and Child Health Nurse ......................................................................................................................................... 43

Churches ............................................................................................................................................................................... 44 Appendix F: Abbreviations ................................................................................................................................................ 45 Appendix G: Glossary of terms .......................................................................................................................................... 46 Appendix H: References .................................................................................................................................................... 48

4 | P a g e

Authority and Endorsement Authority

The West Wimmera Shire Council is the custodian of the West Wimmera Shire Pandemic Plan (the PP) pursuant to the Victorian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza (VHMPPI), October 2014. The PP takes into consideration Appendix 10 of the VHMPPI, provided as a guide for local government. The West Wimmera Shire Pandemic Plan is a sub-Plan of the Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP).

The Pandemic Influenza Plan aligns with the following State, Federal and International Plans: • State Emergency Response Plan (SHERP) Edition 4 2017 (Victoria) • Victorian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza 2014 (VHMPPI) • Victorian Action Plan for Human Influenza Pandemic 2015 • Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2015 – 2019 • Australian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza April 2014 (AHMPPI) • Pandemic Influenza Risk Management – WHO Guidance 2017 • The Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework WHO 2011 • World Health Organization Pandemic Preparedness Plan 2013

The Pandemic Plan aligns with the following legislation: • Emergency Management Act 1986/2013 • Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 • Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2019 • National Health Security Act 2007 • International Health Regulations 2005

5 | P a g e

Endorsement

The West Wimmera Shire Pandemic Plan was endorsed by the West Wimmera Municipal Emergency Planning Committee (hereafter referred to as “the MEMPC” or “the Committee”) at a meeting on xxxx.

Chairperson of the Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee ________________________________

Adoption

Version 3.0 of the West Wimmera Shire Pandemic Plan was adopted by the West Wimmera Shire Council at a meeting on xxxx.

Chief Executive Officer West Wimmera Shire Council ________________________________

Acknowledgements

The Indigo Shire Council is acknowledged by the Partner Councils for the use of their Pandemic Influenza Plan in preparing this document.

Disclaimer

No reader should act on the basis of any matter contained in this publication without appreciating that it may be the subject of amendment or revocation from time to time without notice. The West Wimmera Shire Council expressly disclaim all and any liability (including liability in negligence) to any person or body in respect of anything and of the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done by any such person or body in reliance, whether total or partial, upon the whole or any part of this publication.

6 | P a g e

Document Information Amendment Register Version Number

Date Endorsed by MEMPC

Date adopted by Council

Amendment History

Version 1.0 deferred deferred 2020 Review of Version 1.0 Version 3.0 20 March 2020

This plan is administered by the Environmental Health Officer of the West Wimmera Shire Council.

Address all enquiries to:

Environmental Health Officer West Wimmera Shire Council PO Box 201 Edenhope VIC 3318 [email protected]

Administrative Updates

Administrative updates will be made to this plan from time to time that will be noted in the Amendment Register section. These amendments are of an administrative nature and do not substantially change the content or intent of this plan. These amendments do not require the plan to be endorsed by the Committee or Council.

Where there is substantial change required to the content or intent of the plan, the plan will go through the formal endorsement and adoption process.

Review and Major Updates

The West Wimmera Shire Pandemic Plan will be reviewed by the MEMPC annually; or following a major event that has required the plan to be enacted.

7 | P a g e

Glossary and Acronyms

Definitions of words and phrases used in the PP have the same meaning as those prescribed in the relevant legislation and should be referred to, they include:

• Emergency Management Act 1986 • Emergency Management Act 2013 • Local Government Act 1958 • Risk Management Standard ISO: 31000 2009 • Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 • Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009 • National Health Security Act 2007 • International Health Regulations 2005 • Victorian health management plan for pandemic influenza Abbreviations (Appendix F)

and Glossary of Terms (Appendix G)

The PP follows the practice of writing a name in full followed by the acronym in brackets after it and is used thereafter in the plan.

Statistical Data

All facts and figures cited in this Plan have been taken from the Victorian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza (VHMPPI) unless otherwise stated.

Statistical data referenced in this document is sourced from the following:

(1) Australian Bureau of Statistics 2016 Census

(2) Department of Health and Human Services 2015 Local Government Area Statistical Profiles

(3) VicHealth Indicators Survey 2015

8 | P a g e

Introduction The West Wimmera Shire Pandemic Plan (PP) provides guidance for the West Wimmera Shire Council and other pandemic influenza stakeholders in the municipality to appropriately plan for and effectively respond to pandemic influenza conditions. The PIP is supported by a set of operational documents, including Council Pandemic Influenza Response Procedures (Appendix A) and Council’s Business Continuity Plan (BCP). These documents detail specific actions to be conducted by Council staff before, during and after a pandemic influenza outbreak.

Specifically, Council Officers with emergency management responsibilities will use this plan and other emergency management arrangements to reduce, as far as is practical, the impact of an Influenza Pandemic on the Community.

It considers the affected stakeholders and ongoing health issues within the municipality. The roles and responsibilities within the community; control measures, state and local communication, as well as continual community support across the municipality and region.

Direction for Pandemic Influenza response will come from the Commonwealth and/or State health agencies, and the local level of government will support the response and implement controls as documented in the PIP.

Aim

The aim of this plan is to enable an integrated approach to the management of a Pandemic in the West Wimmera Shire.

Objectives

The objective of the PP is to reduce the local impact of a pandemic on the community by: • Providing relevant information to the community. • Reducing transmission and implementing infection control measures. • Providing support services to people who are isolated or quarantined within the

municipality. • Arranging vaccination services to the community when appropriate. • Trigger activation of other relevant Council plans (e.g. BCP) to enable essential Council

services to continue during the pandemic

Plan Review

The Pandemic Plan will be reviewed periodically, and updated as required to reflect current practice. The plan is a dynamic document that will be aligned with the most recent VHMPPI.

Review and evaluation of the plan will be undertaken in consultation with DHHS and the Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee.

9 | P a g e

Definitions Pandemic

The WHO defines the word pandemic loosely - "the worldwide spread of a new disease".

According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a pandemic is a disease that has spread in multiple countries around the world, usually affecting a large number of people.

The word comes from the Greek word "pan" meaning all and "demos" meaning people.

Influenza

Influenza is an acute respiratory disease caused by Influenza virus type A or B. Symptoms usually include fever, cough, lethargy, headache, muscle pain and sore throat. Infections in children may also be associated with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Pandemic Influenza A pandemic is the worldwide spread of a new disease. An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges and spreads around the world, and most people do not have immunity.

Seasonal influenza occurs annually, primarily causes complications and or death in people aged over 65 years and those with chronic medical conditions. The vast majority of people exposed will recover and develop immunity to that strain of virus.

The impact of an influenza pandemic will depend on the clinical severity of the disease, its ability to transmit between humans, the vulnerability of the population, and the functionality of the state’s health systems.

It is estimated that 10 – 40% of the population would show clinical signs of infection and 1.2 – 2.4% of the population would die (VHMPPI, 2014).

Mode of Transmission

The main mode of transmission for the Human influenza virus is by respiratory and contact spread.

• Respiratory spread occurs when influenza virus is transferred from person to person by droplet transmission. The droplets from an infected person coughing, sneezing or talking are propelled through the air (generally up to one metre) and land on the mouth, nose or eye of a nearby person.

10 | P a g e

• Contact transmission occurs when a person touches a surface, object or another person contaminated with influenza virus droplets, then touches their own mouth, nose or eyes before washing their hands.

The incubation period for influenza is usually one to four days after infection, however average incubation period is two days.

• Adults may shed the influenza virus from one day before developing symptoms, to up to seven days after the onset of the illness

• Young children may shed the influenza virus for longer than seven days. • The influenza virus may remain infectious in the air for hours and may remain infectious

on hard surfaces for one to two days.

Physical Health

Flu symptoms usually include:

• High fever, chills and sweating • Cough, can be non-productive (dry) or may develop into more severe and productive

(sputum or mucous is coughed up) • Lethargy • Headache • Muscle and joint pain (in the legs and back) • Sore throat • In children - nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Pneumonia can also develop as a result from influenza.

Mental Health

Chaos, confusion, distress and trauma triggered by public health threats and emergencies can place enormous stress on the coping abilities of even the healthiest people. In the case of an influenza pandemic, effects on mental health can occur regardless of whether an individual is directly affected with pandemic influenza, whether their family or close friends are affected or whether they are indirectly affected.

Individuals may develop mental health concerns following experiences with sick and dying loved ones, with prolonged isolation or with other significant changes to their daily lives. Existing mental health conditions such as depression may worsen. These mental health effects may be long lasting.

11 | P a g e

West Wimmera Shire Pandemic Influenza Vulnerability Profile It is expected that most individuals will be vulnerable to pandemic strains; however, a level of partial protection may occur in some groups. Individuals who have recovered from a natural infection will have a reasonably high degree of protection from a second infection but this cannot be presumed due to changes in virus strains over time.

In general, the attack rates in children (20 – 30%) will be higher than in adults (5-10%). Attack rates in health care settings have the potential to be very high unless effective infection control measures are implemented and closed settings such as institutions and households will have higher attack rates than other settings.

Some people in the community have less support structures to assist in times of stress and rely on Council or community programs to help. These members are more vulnerable to illness, less able to cope with illness and are referred to as the existing vulnerable group.

Groups in the West Wimmera Shire who may be more vulnerable are listed in Appendix B. As an influenza pandemic progresses, there will be new groups of people who will become vulnerable; these are known as “emerging vulnerable groups”. Emerging vulnerable groups are also listed in Appendix B.

Most individuals will be susceptible to a pandemic, and the level of susceptibility will differ in groups such as the young, elderly and already ill. An individual’s own levels of immunity will have an effect on influenza type during a pandemic. An individual’s ability to overcome the effects of the influenza will differ greatly due to previous exposure to influenza types and a person’s level of immune system strength. The environment in which a person is exposed to the influenza can greatly affect the ability to fight of infection as well.

For example, due to the level of vulnerability, rates in children will be higher than in adults. Persons in health care facilities have the potential to be exposed at high levels unless there has been effective infection control measures taken. Residential facilities and learning institutions for example may have potentially high levels of exposure as will any place in which a mass gathering of people is set will be vulnerable to the spread of pandemic illnesses.

Various persons in the community may have less support structures than others in times of stress and will rely on Council and or community group programs to assist.

West Wimmera Shire has a declining and aging population. Nearly a third of the population is 65 or older. People aged 45-64 currently make up forty-seven percent (47%) of the population. In twenty years this group will add to the 65+ group (Social Atlas of Australia, 2016).

Most people in West Wimmera Shire do not live near public transport services, and 28% of the community have experienced transport difficulties at least annually (WWSC, 2017).

12 | P a g e

West Wimmera Shire Health Services Kaniva

- Hospital, West Wimmera Health Service (WWHS) and associated services, and ancillary services visiting from Nhill (WWHS’s headquarters).

- Doctor’s surgery that is open each week day with a doctor available four days per week; there is also a pharmacy within the township, but no dentist. The nearest public dentist is within the townships of Nhill or Bordertown.

- Ambulance Victoria branch with volunteer community officers (ACO’s)

Edenhope

- Edenhope & District Memorial Hospital, which provides Urgent Care, Acute Care, Aged Care and a range of Community Health and support services including a medical clinic with doctors available.

- Edenhope is also serviced by the Kincraig Medical Centre from Naracoorte with doctors available in Edenhope three days per week. Edenhope Township also has a pharmacy.

- Ambulance Victoria branch with professional paramedics supported by volunteer community officers.

Goroke

- Community Health Centre serves the small community of Goroke, and is part of the West Wimmera Health Service. Services provided at set intervals from WWHS.

- Doctor visit’s once a week from Kaniva. - The Goroke community is serviced by a pharmacy depot that is open at set intervals. - Ambulance Victoria branch with volunteer community officers (ACO’s)

Harrow

- Bush Nursing Centre provides district nursing, accident & emergency nursing, visiting GP services and other ancillary services at set intervals.

Maternal & Child Health

- The Shire has a highly dedicated maternal and child health nurse who provides a service to new mothers, including regular health checks for babies and small children, home visits where required, immunisation, referral to other services such as postnatal depression groups, and a listening professional ear. The dedication of the maternal and child health nurse sees the West Wimmera have high immunisation rates throughout the shire.

Community Services

- Provided through both the Shire and local health services, aiding the frail, aged or infirm people of the municipality with in home support services.

No maternity services are available at hospitals within West Wimmera Shire but Maternal and Child Health Services are available. This also impacts on the accuracy of population figures between census dates, due to the morbidity outside of our shire and the reporting practices.

13 | P a g e

Community members may have to make specialist appointments in Horsham, Ballarat, Mt Gambier (SA), as well as Melbourne and Adelaide. This can be difficult for those unable to drive, but services are available to assist with this, such as the community car service.

Contact details for the above services are listed in Appendix E.

14 | P a g e

Pandemic Plan Activation

The PP will be activated following advice from Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). DHHS receives advice from:

• the Australian Government Department of Health, • the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), and • the World Health Organisation as they determine each pandemic phase.

Following advice from DHHS, the MERO/MRM/EHO will alert the Council’s executive and activate the Council Pandemic Influenza Response Procedures (Appendix A).

Council may activate their Business Continuity Plan.

Activation will follow the process outlined in the West Wimmera MEMP unless advised otherwise.

15 | P a g e

Roles and Responsibilities The VHMPPI specifies a number of strategies that will assist Council, allied health services and service providers during a pandemic. The VHMPPI includes:

• Appendix 8: Communication • Appendix 11: Schools and Children Services • Appendix 12: Residential Aged Care • Appendix 13: Disability Accommodation Services • Appendix 14: Custodial Facilities • Appendix 15: Management of the Deceased

Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

DHHS is the control agency for an influenza pandemic in Victoria. DHHS will activate the Victorian response to an influenza pandemic through the VHMPPI.

Responsibilities of DHHS include:

• Activate surveillance systems to identify the emergence of new strains of influenza in the Victorian community.

• Timely implementation of measures seeking to limit or prevent the transmission of pandemic influenza in the various stages of a pandemic.

• Provide alerts and information to health services, primary care, residential facilities, schools, education and care facilities, local government and emergency services.

• Continue surveillance to monitor the status of the outbreak. • Maximise the use of resources. • Public health strategies to best meet the needs of the current situation based on the

best surveillance data. • Implement policies on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and antivirals. • Communicate accurate, consistent and comprehensive information about the situation

to the general public, the media, partners in the health sector and other key stakeholders.

Health Services and Primary Health Care

Health services, including all public sector services, private hospitals, and primary healthcare, including general practice, community pharmacy, community nursing, ambulance services and community health services will form part of the front line of Victoria’s response for human pandemic influenza. Primary healthcare plays an important role in minimising the spread of pandemic influenza and treatment of people in a community setting. The particular needs and concerns of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should also be recognised during a pandemic.

Responsibilities are detailed in Appendix 6 and 7 of the VHMPPI, and include:

16 | P a g e

• Prepare and maintain an influenza pandemic plan which covers patient, visitor, staff and contractor protection as well as business continuity.

• Health services may consider establishing influenza wards or clinics as numbers increase.

• Primary Health Care should activate and de-activate clinics based on health services demand in consultation with DHHS.

• Provide staff and resources for each clinic as detailed in specific clinic plans. • Provide triage to clinics. • Provision of specialist staff and services as required (e.g. infection prevention and

control, infectious diseases, pharmacy, pathology, public relations). • Phone screening for patients. • Separate waiting and consulting rooms for suspected influenza patients. • Encourage staff and high risk patients to have seasonal influenza vaccinations.

There are a number of health service providers in the West Wimmera Shire. Refer to Wimmera Integrated Relief and Recovery Plan 2017 (WIRRP).

West Wimmera Shire

• Prepare and maintain the Pandemic Plan as a Sub Plan of the MEMP. • Activate the plan to assist with reducing the impacts of an influenza pandemic. • Provide support and recovery assistance throughout the duration of the influenza

pandemic to staff and community. • Provide information to staff and community. • Have business continuity arrangements in place to maintain essential services. • Provide vaccination services when appropriate. • Support individuals and communities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from

pandemic events. • Review and update the plan when necessary.

Commercial Groups, Not for Profit groups, Residents and Visitors

Everyone has a role to play in preparing for and coping with an influenza pandemic. The following actions are advised for commercial groups, not for profit groups, residents and visitors to the West Wimmera Shire:

• Stay informed with current information being distributed via the Council website, Council Facebook page and http://www.health.vic.gov.au/chiefhealthofficer/alerts/.

• Businesses/organisations in the Shire are encouraged to develop their own BCP’s to manage the impact of an influenza pandemic on their business.

• Undertake seasonal influenza vaccination and encourage staff and members to do so. • Practise good personal hygiene – cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you

cough or sneeze, put the used tissue in a rubbish bin and wash your hands with soap and running water. Dry hands thoroughly with a paper towel. Wash hands regularly and avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth. Refer to Appendix C.

17 | P a g e

• Don’t go to work or public areas if you have influenza symptoms (chills, shivering, fever, muscles aches and pains, sore throat, dry cough, trouble breathing, sneezing, stuffy or runny nose and extreme tiredness).

• Seek medical advice if you have concerns regarding influenza symptoms. • Residents can contact Council Community Services for support e.g. home care, meal

provision

Business Continuity Plans

The Council’s Business Continuity Plan details each of Council’s critical services, current resource levels, minimum resources required to complete the work and areas where staff may be available for redeployment.

A pandemic may result in reduced staffing for a long period of time. The Business Continuity Plan identifies strategies to manage resultant service disruptions.

Staff absences are expected for many reasons including: • Illness/incapacity (suspected/actual/post-infectious). • To care for ill family members. • To look after children if schools or child care centres are closed. • Feeling safer at home (e.g. to keep away from crowded places such as public transport). • Fulfilling other voluntary roles in the community.

The above will also apply to Council’s contracted service providers.

18 | P a g e

Support: Relief and Recovery Relief and Recovery

Support during a pandemic is managed through West Wimmera Municipal Emergency Management Plan (MEMP) and Wimmera Integrated Relief and Recovery Plan (WIRRP). Specific consideration for particular groups include:

• Isolated or Quarantined People • Business & Community Resilience • Council Staff

In planning for and providing support, consideration should be had to culture, faith, and language.

Support for Isolated or Quarantined people

People quarantined or isolated may not have an advocate or someone to provide for their needs:

• Food • Water • Shelter • Medicine

Effective arrangements to provide for these needs should be detailed. Options include building on Council run services such as Home Aged Community Care Services or a formal arrangement with external service providers. In planning for support, likely demand patterns and timing should be addressed.

Other support requirements will be as per MEMP such as personal support, and financial special consideration.

19 | P a g e

Control Strategies Basic Precautions

Preventing transmission and infection during a pandemic will require a package of related measures:

• Individual measures – hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene, cough etiquette and immunisation.

• Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE as directed and issued by DHHS). • Organisational and environmental measures – patient placement, social distancing and

cleaning.

The overall aim of these measures is to minimise the risk of exposure to the influenza virus, reducing transmission, infections and illness. All three components are essential.

The following table is a summary of the infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings for pandemic influenza (Australia Government Department of Health 2014).

20 | P a g e

Table: Package of infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings for pandemic influenza Preparedness and standby stages

will be the same as initial response

Strategies Initial response Targeted response Low severity Moderate severity High severity

Individual measures Hand hygiene Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette

Standard precautions Standard precautions Standard precautions Standard precautions

Organisational measures 1. Patient placement,

flow and segregation

Early and timely identification, triage and separation of potential cases

Patients self-identify, timely triage and separation of potential cases

Patients self-identify Patients self-identify prior to (telephone triage) or on presentation

Patients self-identify prior to presentation (telephone triage) – and are directed to specific/separate sites

Single-use face masks for patients with influenza-like illness

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Reduce mixing of non- influenza, possible and influenza patients

Isolation2 of suspected/confirmed patients

Isolate/cohorting of suspected/confirmed patients

Consider clinical care models: • dedicated influenza

clinics • dedicated influenza (and

non-influenza) GP clinics • specific parts of a

hospital Isolate/segregate patients

Influenza clinics or hospitals at separate sites Isolate/segregate patients in the practice or ward

2. Staff management, resourcing

Stay home if sick Yes Yes Yes Yes

Conduct risk assessment for vulnerable staff

Vulnerable staff – avoid influenza patients, ensure appropriate PPE

Vulnerable staff – avoid influenza patients, ensure appropriate PPE

Vulnerable staff – isolate from settings where risk of influenza exposure

Vulnerable staff – isolate from settings where risk of influenza exposure

Separate influenza and non-influenza staff

If possible or required If possible or required Cohort staff Cohort staff

PPE Contact and droplet precautions plus eye protection3 Airborne precautions for aerosol- generating procedures 4

Contact and droplet precautions plus eye protection3 Airborne precautions for aerosol- generating procedures

Contact and droplet precautions plus eye protection3 Airborne precautions for aerosol- generating procedures

Contact and droplet precautions plus eye protection3 Airborne precautions for aerosol- generating procedures4

Environmental measures Environmental cleaning Standard precautions Standard precautions Standard precautions Standard precautions

Open environment– outside clinics, verandahs, open doors/windows

Consider Consider Where possible Where possible

21 | P a g e

22 | P a g e

Education and Training

Council will be required to provide education and training to staff in terms of implementing the appropriate infection control protocols in the workplace, which includes procedures to manage incidents of suspected pandemic illnesses. Council will disseminate literature, brochures and posters to increase awareness about the disease and to outline infection control protocols in a practical manner.

Specific issues to be covered in training include:

• The establishment of ‘social distancing’ (greater than one-meter separation) between staff at the various worksites in the workplace or during business transactions.

• Disinfection protocols to reduce contaminated surfaces through alcohol or chlorine disinfection.

• Incident management processes where staff present with influenza symptoms or refuse to leave work, seek medical attention.

• Disposal of contaminated materials. • Use of appropriate and context specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). • Storage, supply and stock control of PPE and Disinfectants. • Return to work processes.

Communication and education will be provided to employees to best prepare them for what may be encountered such as:

• Information about signs, symptoms and transmission. • Personal and family protection and response. • Anticipation of fear, anxiety, rumours and misinformation. • Preparedness and response obligations. • Advice regarding management of home care and ill relatives. • Hotline and Website communications. • Community resources available for accessing.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

In addition to Councils existing hygiene measures, PPE stocks will be obtained in accordance with the activation table in Appendix A. Appropriate training will be provided to individuals using PPE at a time prior to a pandemic to ensure they become competent and proficient in its use.

The decision to deploy PPE from the Victorian medical stockpile to healthcare and other settings will be taken by the Chief Health Officer.

Social Distancing

This comprises interventions to reduce normal physical and social population mixing, in order to slow the spread of a pandemic. In addition to restricting workplace entry and interaction, an imaginary one-metre distance rule should be implemented to eliminate physical interaction such as hand shaking and hugging.

23 | P a g e

Restricting Workplace Entry

Measures that will, as far as is practicable, protect staff and public from being exposed to the pandemic virus can include:

• Minimising direct face-to-face contact with customers. • Minimising face-to-face internal meetings. • Closure of non-essential locations. • Suspension of all non-essential services. • Provision of education / awareness programs regarding transmission of infection and

exclusion requirements.

24 | P a g e

Communications State Communication Plan

A whole of Victorian Government communication strategy is produced by DHHS to strengthen pandemic preparedness at state, regional and local level and ensure that timely, informative and consistent messages are provided to the wider community. The strategy supports the Australian Government Department of Health Communication Strategy, while accommodating Victorian circumstances.

Council Communication Plan

At the municipal level, Council’s Communications and Customer Service areas is responsible for both community and internal staff pandemic communications. All Council service units will have a responsibility to distribute approved information as provided. For example, Environmental Health to restaurants, Engineers to contractors, Social and Community to community groups and CALD Community leaders, etc.

Council’s Communications Unit will prepare a script based on State department advice, for customer service staff or other Council staff who may take calls from the general public seeking help and information during a pandemic. Specific Council communications activity during an influenza pandemic is outlined in Appendix A.

Internal Communication:

The Emergency Management Group (see Part 3 of MEMP) will be formed at stand by for the response stage then meet as required to discuss management of Council operations and associated issues during the pandemic.

Councils Communications Officer will attend these meetings. The Pandemic Coordinator will be responsible for providing initial information to Council’s CEO, Executive, Councillors and staff. Initial briefing will be at pandemic alert then at weekly intervals.

External Communication

Council is able to provide information to the community via a number of avenues. DHHS information will be utilised to ensure consistent messages are being communicated.

• Council’s website will be used to post information and provide links to DHHS, DHA and WHO websites.

• Council offices and service centres will be used to provide advice regarding customer use.

• Recorded phone messages can be utilised on the main Council phone line. • Local papers, radio and community papers and Facebook page can be used to transfer

information.

25 | P a g e

Immunisation Victoria has a wide range of immunisation providers and Council may play an active role in the delivery of a pandemic vaccination program. The most effective way of preventing infection with an influenza virus is vaccination. A pandemic vaccine can only be developed once the nature of the virus is known, and is likely to take some time before being available. Pandemic vaccines are produced by pharmaceutical companies under prearranged contracts with the Commonwealth Government.

When a customised pandemic vaccine does become available, a mass vaccination program will be coordinated by DHHS. Local Council and GP networks may be asked to support DHHS by providing staff, facilities or by promoting the vaccination program throughout the community.

At the time of such a program, guidelines will be developed to provide useful information, forms, guidelines and tips to be used to implement such as program. The purpose of such guidelines would be to assist immunisation providers in a range of settings to meet their professional responsibilities and community expectations for a quality program and safe service delivery.

26 | P a g e

Mass fatality The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) is responsible for all deceased persons where there is no Doctor’s certification of death. It is anticipated that this would be the most likely occurrence in the event of a pandemic. The VIFM has the capacity for normal operations and surge capacity arrangements for a significant number of deceased persons. Depending on the emergency and situation, there remains an unlikely potential that local government may be requested to assist. Requests would be made to Victoria Police and the MERC would make any requests of the MERO.

In ALL instances, detailed advice should be obtained from the VIFM.

Storage

The VIFM may request a location to establish a temporary storage facility if the fatality rate is expected to exceed capacity (Appendix D). The VIFM has arrangements in place for the supply of refrigerated shipping containers, the support services required to fit them out and the staff to manage them. A location such as a sporting oval would be suitable depending upon whether a mortuary is also established on site.

Other considerations should include: • Location – away from schools, community facilities ore residential areas. • Vehicular access for two-wheel drive vehicles • Access to power – supply grid or generators • Access to water – mains preferred • Security – temporary fencing with black screening mesh • Signage

Sites should be identified on a needs basis and agencies will need to remain flexible.

Burial sites

In rare, exceptional circumstances, Council will be asked to identify possible sites for burial of deceased persons. These areas should be carefully considered if fatality rate is expected to exceed the capacity of cemeteries within the Shire (Appendix D) as they are likely to remain, at the very least, memorial sites into the future and the site will have little chance of repatriation and return to its previous use.

27 | P a g e

Appendix A: Council pandemic response procedures No novel strain detected PHASE RESPONSIBILITIES No novel strain has been detected (or emerging strain under initial detection)

COUNCIL DEPARTMENTS (RESPONSIBILITY LIES WITH MANAGERS)

Identify critical business activities and available resources

Assist with review of the Pandemic Plan as requested by the Pandemic Coordinator

Promote vaccination, good hygiene and flu preparedness practices (infection control) among staff, contractors and clients.

Staff who are unwell should not come to work

Identify staff PPE requirements and organise appropriate training for staff

Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee (MEMPC)

Participate in annual Pandemic Plan review Assist with Pandemic Plan reviews as requested by the

MRM Delegate Officer as Pandemic Coordinator when required

Municipal Recovery Manager (MRM) Establish and maintain pandemic planning team Ensure Pandemic Plan is reviewed annually

Organisational Development (OD) Review HR planning for pandemic OHS to assist Coordinators with advice on PPE training for

staff Communications

Establish / review communication policy and procedure Environmental Health

Recommend seasonal flu vaccinations Promote all scheduled vaccination programs

Family, Youth and Children Services Ensure staff training for PPE usage

Aged and Disability Services Ensure staff training for PPE usage

28 | P a g e

Standing by for response PHASE RESPONSIBILITIES Standing by for Response (Sustained community person to person transmission is detected overseas)


Implement procedures as per instruction from the Council Pandemic Coordinator, executive or the Municipal Recovery Manager

Promote good hygiene and infection control procedures Staff who are unwell should not come to work

Municipal Recovery Manager (MRM) – Pandemic Coordinator (PC)

Implement procedures as per DHHS instructions Alert Senior Management Group and provide advice Work with Communications team to increase staff

awareness (e.g. personal health messages on display in workplace)

Review requirements and order PPE supplies Deputy Pandemic Coordinator (DPC) Assist Pandemic Coordinator as required Assist Pandemic Coordinator in acquisition of PPE or

other resources as required Organisational Development Review HR planning for pandemic Communications

Work with Pandemic Coordinator to Increase staff awareness (e.g. display health messages in workplace)

Environmental Health Promote all scheduled vaccination programs Family, Youth and Children Services

Review hygiene and food preparation procedures as per instructions from DHHS.

Aged and Disability Services Review hygiene and food preparation procedures as per

instructions from DHHS. Buildings and Property

Cleaning contracts to be reviewed and enhanced cleaning standards to be negotiated.

Review cleaning processes in communal areas Library and Leisure Services

Cleaning contracts to be reviewed and enhanced cleaning standards to be negotiated.

Review cleaning processes in communal areas

29 | P a g e

Initial response PHASE RESPONSIBILITIES Initial Response (Initial and targeted cases are detected in Australia but information about the disease is scarce)


Implement procedures as per instruction from the Council Pandemic Coordinator, executive or the Municipal Response Manager (MRM).

Report any changes to activities or resource levels to MRM

Reinforce good personal hygiene and infection control procedures with all staff

Staff suspected of or reporting being unwell to be excluded from the workplace

Municipal Recovery Manager (MRM) - Pandemic Coordinator (PC)

Alert Executive and provide advice Alert Pandemic Sub Committee and inform them of

Council activity Work with Communications Team to Increase staff

awareness (e.g. personal health messages on display in workplace)

Review requirement and purchase further PPE if required Liaise with DHHS to discuss contact tracing arrangements Work with HR and communications team to alert staff of a

possibility of a pandemic and the actions to be taken to reduce the risk of infection – personal hygiene, avoiding contact, influenza immunisation etc.

Provide area specific information for work units dealing with the public - family case workers, maternal and child health nurses, childcare centers, home care, meals on wheels, library, leisure, and civic facilities

Municipal Emergency Resource Officer (MERO) Liaise with DHHS to inform them of Council activity and

resourcing Deputy Pandemic Coordinator (DPC) Assist Pandemic Coordinator, MRM as required Assist Pandemic Coordinator in acquisition of PPE or

other resources as required Organisational Development (OD) Assist Pandemic Coordinator to alert staff of a possibility

of a pandemic and the actions to be taken to reduce the risk of infection – personal hygiene, avoiding contact, influenza immunisation etc.

Communications Work with Pandemic Coordinator to Increase staff

awareness (e.g. display health signage etc.) Assist Pandemic Coordinator to alert staff and Councilor’s

of a possibility of a pandemic and the actions to be taken to reduce the risk of infection – personal hygiene, avoiding contact, immunisation etc.

30 | P a g e

PHASE RESPONSIBILITIES Prepare internal and external messages using advice

from DHHS Environmental Health

Provide advice to the Council on social distancing measures and ways to reduce numbers of mass gatherings.

Promote all scheduled vaccination programs Family, Youth and Children Services

Review listings of vulnerable clients and communication channels

Contact vulnerable community members to ensure they have adequate supplies

Make contact with relief food agency (Red Cross) to discuss anticipated future needs.

Aged and Disability Services Review listings of vulnerable clients and communication

channels Buildings and Property

Provide shared work stations with alcohol wipes for phones, computers

Check wash areas regularly to replenish supplies Library and Leisure Services

Provide shared work stations with alcohol wipes for phones, computers

Check wash areas regularly to replenish supplies

31 | P a g e

Low clinical severity PHASE RESPONSIBILITIES Targeted Response

When initial and targeted cases are detected in Australia and where enough is known about the disease to tailor to specific needs

Low Clinical Severity*


Review services & resource levels Implement procedures as per instruction from the Council Pandemic Coordinator, IMT or the Municipal Response Manager

Report any changes to activities or resource levels to MRM


Introduce work place social distancing measures and reduce numbers of mass gatherings (meetings, events etc.)


Implement enhanced infection control procedures based on advice from DHHS

Liaise with Department of Health and Police (MERC) to determine need to activate Operations Centre

Purchase or procure health, PPE and cleaning products / consumables for an extended period.

Distribute PPE supplies to units Ensure staff using PPE have undertaken OHS training on

PPE usage Liaise with DHHS to discuss contact tracing arrangements Review and confirm vaccine and PPE supply chain and

secure storage with MERO Municipal Emergency Resource Officer (MERO)

Review resourcing requirements for Community Support Service and report to IMT

Liaise with DHHS to inform them of Council activity and resourcing

Emergency Management Officer Assist Pandemic Coordinator and MERO as required Assist Pandemic Coordinator in acquisition of PPE or

other resources as required Organisational Development

Assist Pandemic Coordinator to distribute PPE supplies as required

Staff suspected of or reporting being unwell to be excluded from the workplace (assist in implementation of this)

Implement an illness register Employment/deployment of staff to ensure continuation of

critical services Communications

32 | P a g e

PHASE RESPONSIBILITIES Provide information to local papers / radio stations

regarding pandemic situation, including where support services can be accessed.

Regularly update community information on website, phone wait message and other public access points

Environmental Health Arrange immunisation sessions when vaccine available Promote vaccination for pneumococcal vaccine for

identified high-risk groups. Family, Youth and Children Services


Determine support for quarantined and isolated clients at home

Contact vulnerable community members to ensure they have adequate supplies

Make contact with relief food agency (Red Cross) to discuss anticipated food relief quantities and distribution


channels Determine support for quarantined and isolated clients at

home Buildings and Property

Review cleaning and infection control procedures for communal areas

Provide antiseptic hand wash to ingress points of Council buildings

Investigate work from home capacity / accessibility of systems from remote locations

Additional infection control procedures for communal areas

Library and Leisure Services Review cleaning and infection control procedures for

communal areas Provide antiseptic hand wash to ingress points of Council

buildings Investigate work from home capacity / accessibility of

systems from remote locations Additional infection control procedures for communal

areas

33 | P a g e

Moderate clinical severity PHASE RESPONSIBILITIES Moderate Clinical Severity*


Review services, resource levels and BC arrangements Implement procedures as per instruction from the Council

Pandemic Coordinator, IMT or the Emergency Management Group

Report any changes in activities or resource levels to Municipal Response Manager (MRM)

Cease all non-essential person to person contact with customers and clients



Implement enhanced infection control procedures based on advice from DHHS

Review and confirm vaccine and PPE supply chain and secure storage with MERO

Liaise with DHHS to discuss contact tracing arrangements Implement PPE training for essential services staff.

Distribute PPE supplies Review supplies, purchase or procure health, PPE and

cleaning products / consumables for an extended period. Liaise with Department of Health and Police (MERC) to

determine need to activate operations center Municipal Emergency Resource Officer (MERO) Review resourcing requirements for Community Support

Service and report to MRM Liaise with DHHS to inform them of Council activity and

resourcing Deputy Pandemic Coordinator (DPC) Assist Pandemic Coordinator, MERO and MRM as

required Assist Pandemic Coordinator in acquisition of PPE or

other resources as required Organisational Development (OD)

Staff suspected of or reporting being unwell to be excluded from the workplace (assist in implementation of this)

Implement an illness register Continuation of critical services

Communications Provide information to local papers / radio stations

regarding pandemic situation, including where support services can be accessed.


Environmental Health Arrange immunisation sessions when vaccine available

34 | P a g e

PHASE RESPONSIBILITIES Promote vaccination for pneumococcal vaccine for

identified high-risk groups. Family, Youth and Children Services


Consider closure of facilities based on DHHS advice Determine and provide support for quarantined and

isolated clients at home PPE to be utilized where needed


channels Consider closure of facilities based on DHHS advice Determine and provide support for quarantined and


Buildings and Property Review cleaning and infection control procedures for


buildings Support work from home arrangements Additional infection control procedures for communal

areas (Consider closure of facilities based on DHHS advice)

Library and Leisure Services Review cleaning and infection control procedures for


buildings Support work from home arrangements Additional infection control procedures for communal

areas (Consider closure of facilities based on DHHS advice)

35 | P a g e

High clinical severity PHASE RESPONSIBILITIES High Clinical Severity*


Review services, resource levels and BC arrangements Implement working from home arrangements where appropriate Implement procedures as per instruction from the Council Pandemic Coordinator, IMT or the Emergency Management Group Report any changes to branch activities or resource levels to the MRM All staff to adhere to PPE requirements for direct service delivery


Maintain regular contact with DHHS, IMT and the Emergency Management Group Review supplies, purchase or procure health, PPE and cleaning products / consumables for an extended period Implement vaccination programs as advised by DHHS Establish community support services, facilities and staffing with advice from DHHS

Municipal Emergency Resource Officer (MERO) Liaise with DHHS to discuss relief and recovery

arrangements Assist PC as requested for vaccination session security Deputy Pandemic Coordinator (DPC) Assist Pandemic Coordinator to alert staff of a possibility

of a pandemic and the actions to be taken to reduce the risk of infection – personal hygiene, avoiding contact, influenza immunisation etc.

Assist Pandemic Coordinator, MERO and MRM as required

Organisational Development (OD) Ensure provision of Employee Assistance Program by

telephone Staff suspected of or reporting being unwell to be

excluded from the workplace (assist in implementation of this)

Implement an illness register Communications

Provide information to local papers / radio stations regarding pandemic situation, including where support services can be accessed.


Environmental Health Arrange immunisation sessions when vaccine available Promote vaccination for pneumococcal vaccine for

identified high-risk groups

36 | P a g e

PHASE RESPONSIBILITIES Family, Youth and Children Services


Consider closure of facilities based on DHHS advice Determine and provide support for quarantined and



channels Consider closure of facilities based on DHHS advice Determine and provide support for quarantined and

isolated clients at home PPE to be utilized where needed Buildings and Property

Isolate air circulation (heating / cooling) systems for all relevant municipal facilities

Additional infection control procedures for communal areas (consider closure of facilities based on DHHS advice)

Secure closed sites Reduce services as required

Library and Leisure Services Isolate air circulation (heating / cooling) systems for all

relevant municipal facilities Additional infection control procedures for communal

areas (consider closure of facilities based on DHHS advice)

Reduce services as required

Any Council units not listed in this table will be required to support pandemic response activities of those business areas listed. Stand Down procedure will be implemented upon advice from the DHHS.

*Clinical severity will be assessed by the number and rates of hospitalisations, ICU admissions and deaths from the enhanced data collection. Other than through the notifications data, information on hospitalisations and ICU admissions will be provided by FluCAN. This data will support the enhanced data and provide a comparator once the enhanced data collection ceases.

37 | P a g e

Appendix B: Vulnerable groups Existing vulnerable groups

Existing Vulnerable group Ways affected

Children More likely to contract pandemic influenza due to reduced natural immunity

People living in healthcare settings Reduced natural immunity due to other health conditions

Higher likelihood of infection and transmission due to close contact with others if infection control measures are not properly followed

Young families, especially single-parent families

May need to manage a range of demands with minimum support

Older people, living alone without support

Isolation could cause deterioration in health and ability to function

Socially isolated Lack of family and friends to provide personal or physical support. Lack of information could lead to anxiety

Physically isolated Reduced ability to call on assistance from other members of the community, or from agencies

Unemployed Lack of financial and physical resources may result in higher levels of disadvantage

People relying on external help Existing support, such as home support, may be compromised

People living in an institutional setting More exposed to the spread of disease, due to close living arrangements and sharing of facilities

People with existing disability, physical or mental illness

Existing support may be compromised. Higher risk of exposure to infection and psychological stressors

People with limited coping capability Reduced capacity to manage life events Substance dependent Vulnerability if medical and other care

arrangements are disrupted Culturally and linguistically diverse communities (CALD)

Reduced understanding of potential risks and difficulty gaining access to information and resources

Financially disadvantaged, individuals and families on low incomes and/or high debt levels

May have limited access to goods and services. May not be able to stockpile, due to diminished supply and potential rising costs

38 | P a g e

Existing Vulnerable group Ways affected

Homeless More exposed to the spread of disease, due to sharing of facilities. Lack of financial and physical resources may result in higher levels of disadvantage

People who use public transport Higher likelihood of infection and transmission due to close contact with others

Emerging vulnerable groups

Emerging Vulnerable group Ways affected

People confined to their homes as a result of illness or quarantine

Lack of family and friends to provide adequate levels of care. Fear of being socially marginalised or stigmatised.

Children orphaned and without a carer, particularly where there is no alternative carer

Heightened levels of grief, anxiety, stress and trauma due to issues around housing and care. Potential dislocation and developmental effects.

Children whose parents become ill, particularly where there is no alternative carer

Heightened levels of grief, anxiety, stress and trauma. Increased vulnerability in the longer term.

Families where a pandemic bereavement has taken place

Heightened levels of grief, anxiety, stress and trauma.

People whose caregiver is sick and unable to care for them

Lack of alternative support could lead to general deterioration of health and wellbeing.

People who become unemployed, due to business closure or economic downturn

Lack of financial and physical resources and high debt levels, with minimum savings in reserve.

People on low incomes or otherwise economically vulnerable

Lack of financial and physical resources to manage consequences over an extended period of time.

The worried well––people whose physical health has not been affected by the virus but are worried or anxious about getting sick

High levels of anxiety due to fear of illness, death, unemployment and lack of access to services and information.

Families Increased risk of family violence and breakdown of family unit, due to a shift in household dynamics. Children will lack social interaction, following school closures.

39 | P a g e

Emerging Vulnerable group Ways affected

Small business owners Significant reduction in demand in some sectors. Lack of resources to maintain financial viability during a downturn in the economy and/or unable to function due to absence of key personnel.

Health care workers and workers who are in close regular contact with members of the public

Exposure to risk of infection and potential isolation from family and support networks could increase stress and anxiety levels.

Appendix C: Signage

40 | P a g e

41 | P a g e

42 | P a g e

Appendix D: Storage, funeral and burial considerations to be completed locally Funeral Directors Funeral Business Address Contact

Wattle Range Funerals

55 Gordon St, Naracoorte (08) 8762 0099

Wimmera Funerals 1 Wilson St, Horsham (03) 5381 1444

Horsham & District Funerals

23 Pynsent St, Horsham (03) 53821149

Nhill & District Funerals

121 Nelson St, Nhill (03) 5391 3280

F Greed &Son 43 Collin St, Hamilton (03) 5572 1053

Cemeteries

Cemetery Address Contact

Apsley Apsley-Natimuk Rd, Apsley (03) 5586 1244

Edenhope George St, Edenhope (03) 5585 9900

Goroke Natimuk - Frances Rd, Goroke (03) 5585 9900

Kaniva/Lillimur Cemetery Rd, Kaniva (03) 5392 2700

Minimay Cemetery Rd, Minimay (03) 5386 6258

Harrow Harrow-Clear Lake Rd, Harrow (03) 5588 1273

Chetwynd Chetwynd Cemetery Rd, Chetwynd 0428 156 175

Dergholm Dergholm –Chetwynd Rd (03) 5583 3263

43 | P a g e

Appendix E: Contacts Health Services Service Address Contact

West Wimmera Health Service: Kaniva Hospital

7-11 Farmers St, Kaniva (03) 5392 7000

Rural Doctors: Kaniva 7-11 Farmers St, Kaniva (03) 5323 5770

Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital

128 – 134 Elizabeth St, Edenhope (03) 5585 9800

Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital Medical Clinic

109 Lake St, Edenhope (03) 5585 9888

Kincraig Medical Clinic Edenhope

65 Elizabeth St, Edenhope (03) 5585 1006

Harrow Bush Nursing Centre

24 Blair St, Harrow (03) 5588 2000

West Wimmera Health Service: Goroke (including Rural Doctors Goroke)

54-62 Natimuk-Frances Rd, Goroke

(03) 5363 2200

Pharmacies

Name Address Contact

Kaniva Pharmacy

47 Commercial St East, Kaniva (03) 5392 2373

Edenhope Pharmacy


Nhill Pharmacy Depot: Goroke

54-62 Natimuk-Frances Rd, Goroke (03) 5363 2200 (Goroke)

(03) 5391 1456 (Nhill)

Maternal and Child Health Nurse

Name Address Contact

Monica Feder West Wimmera Shire Council, Kaniva 0428 595 725

44 | P a g e

Churches Facility Address Contact

Kaniva Presbyterian Church

Cnr Dungey St & Phillips St, Kaniva 0412 567 091

Kaniva Church of Christ

91 Commercial St, Kaniva (03) 5392 2301

Kaniva Uniting Church

91 Commercial St, Kaniva (03) 5392 2301

Salvation Army Kaniva Corps

34 Progress St, Kaniva (03) 5392 2304

Kaniva Catholic Church

6 Roache St, Kaniva (03) 5392 2217

Serviceton Uniting Church

13 Elizabeth St, Serviceton (03) 5392 2301

Goroke Lutheran Church

25-27 Church St, Goroke (03) 5386 1013

Goroke Uniting Church

Church St, Goroke (03) 5386 1021

Apsley Catholic Church

14 Splatt St, Apsley N/A

Apsley Uniting Church

Johnston St, Apsley (03) 5586 1399

Edenhope Catholic Church

5 Anzac Ave, Edenhope (03) 5585 1154

Edenhope Lutheran Church


Edenhope Anglican Church

14 Andrew St, Edenhope (03) 5585 1030

Edenhope Uniting Church

Cnr Elizabeth St & Wallace St, Edenhope

(03) 5585 1114

Harrow Uniting Church

Cnr Blair St & Kirby St, Harrow N/A

Harrow Catholic Church

Glenferrie Rd, Harrow N/A

Dergholm Presbyterian Church

Cnr Casterton-Apsley &Dergholm-Chetwynd Rd’s, Dergholm

(08) 8733 4150

45 | P a g e

Appendix F: Abbreviations AHMPPI Australian health management plan for pandemic influenza

AHMAC Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council

AHPPC Australian Health Protection Principal Committee

ASPREN Australian Sentinel Practices Research Network

BDM Births, Deaths and Marriages

CALD culturally and linguistically diverse

CDNA Communicable Diseases Network of Australia

HCW healthcare worker

GP general practitioner

ML Medicare Local

NICs National Influenza Centres

NNDSS National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System

NMS National Medical Stockpile

PHLN Public Health Laboratory Network

PPE personal protective equipment

RACGP Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

VHMPPI Victorian health management plan for pandemic influenza

VIDRL Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory

VMS Victorian Medical Stockpile

WHO World Health Organization

WHO CC World Health Organization Collaborating Centre

WHO NIC World Health Organization National Influenza Centre

*sourced from the Victorian health management plan for pandemic influenza p108 https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/about/publications/policiesandguidelines/Victorian-health-management-plan-for-pandemic-influenza---October-2014

46 | P a g e

Appendix G: Glossary of terms At-risk groups are groups at increased risk of experiencing complications from influenza infection.

Candidate vaccine is a vaccine based on a strain of influenza virus considered to have pandemic

potential. This vaccine may provide partial protection if it develops into a pandemic strain that is easily

transmissible between humans.

Case definition is a set of uniform criteria used to define a disease for public health surveillance.

Community transmission is the passing of a disease from an infected individual to another individual

outside of a known group of contacts, and outside healthcare settings.

Contact tracing is the process of identifying and managing people who have been ‘in contact’ with

someone who has an infectious illness.

Cough and sneeze etiquette are measures individuals can take when we cough, sneeze or blow our

nose to reduce the chance of spreading the virus. This is sometimes referred to as respiratory hygiene.

Customised pandemic vaccine is a vaccine based on the actual pandemic virus, which cannot be

developed until the next pandemic virus emerges.

Epidemic is an outbreak or unusually high occurrence of disease or illness in a population or area.

Health sector refers to the government departments responsible for health, the public and private health

system and health professionals.

High-risk groups are groups at increased risk of experiencing complications from influenza.

Isolation is the separation of infected persons (cases) from other people for the period they are likely to

be infectious. This prevents or limits the direct or indirect transmission of the virus.

Morbidity is a state of disease. The term morbidity refers to the number of cases of illness in a

population divided by the total population considered at risk of the disease.

Mortality is death. The mortality rate is the measure of the number of dead (in general or due to a

specific cause) in a population scaled to the size of that population, per unit time.

Post-exposure prophylaxis is a dose or doses of drug (usually antibiotic or antiviral) given before

exposure to disease, to protect the person from being infected.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a dose or doses of a drug (usually antibiotic or antiviral) given before

exposure to a disease, to protect the person from being infected.

Prophylaxis is a medical or public health procedure designed to prevent infection rather than treat or

cure existing disease.

Reproductive number (of an infection) is the number of cases one case generates on average over the

course of its infectious period, in an otherwise uninfected population. Generally, the larger the value of

R0, the harder it is to control the pandemic.

Resilience is the capacity to cope with stress or change, and the capacity to adapt.

47 | P a g e

Serial interval is the average length of time between an initial primary case developing symptoms and

subsequent secondary cases developing systems.

Quarantine is the limitation of freedom of movement for a period of time for well persons who are likely

to have been exposed to the virus (contact) to prevent their contact with people who have not been

exposed.

*sourced from the Victorian health management plan for pandemic influenza p109-110 https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/about/publications/policiesandguidelines/Victorian-health-management-plan-for-pandemic-influenza---October-2014

48 | P a g e

Appendix H: References

Australian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza 2014

Victorian action plan for pandemic influenza (VAPPI)

Victorian Government, Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) 2014: Victorian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza (VHMPPI), October 2014

West Wimmera Shire Council (WWSC, 2017). West Wimmera Shire Council Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2017-2021: http://www.westwimmera.vic.gov.au/cms/userfiles/Docs/file988001042.pdf,

World Health Organisation – Pandemic Influenza Plan 2013

49 | P a g e

- End of Document -

Data as reported by national authorities by 10:00 CET 5 April 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Report – 76

HIGHLIGHTS • One new country/territory/area reported cases of COVID-19 in the past 24

hours: Falkland Islands (Malvinas).

• The Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr Etienne, on

Friday, called for the collaboration of the private sector with countries of Latin

America and the Caribbean to tackle COVID-19. More details can be found

here.

• PAHO has launched a new searchable database that contains the latest

guidance and research on the COVID-19 pandemic from the Americas and

affected countries worldwide. The press release is available here and the

database is available here.

• As China emerges from a 2 month containment phase and moves into the

mitigation stage, its experience is helping countries currently at the start of

the COVID-19 cycle to plan their responses better. This is explored in an

interview with WHO Representative to China, Dr Gauden Galea, which is

available here.

Figure 1. Countries, territories or areas with reported confirmed cases of COVID-19, 5 April 2020

SITUATION IN NUMBERS total (new) cases in last 24 hours

Globally 1 133 758 confirmed (82 061) 62 784 deaths (5798)

Western Pacific Region 111 396 confirmed (1034) 3838 deaths (29) European Region 621 407 confirmed (38 266) 46 416 deaths (4082)

South-East Asia Region 7816 confirmed (1288) 302 deaths (35)

Eastern Mediterranean Region 70 293 confirmed (4328) 3794 deaths (201)

Region of the Americas 315 714 confirmed (36 171) 8187 deaths (1385)

African Region 6420 confirmed (974) 236 deaths (66)

WHO RISK ASSESSMENT Global Level Very High

SURVEILLANCE Table 1. Countries, territories or areas with reported laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths. Data as of 5 April 2020*

Reporting Country/ Territory/Area†

Total confirmed

‡ cases

Total confirmed new cases

Total deaths

Total new

deaths

Transmission classification§

Days since last reported case

Western Pacific Region China 82930 55 3338 3 Local transmission 0

Republic of Korea 10237 81 183 6 Local transmission 0

Australia 5635 181 34 6 Local transmission 0

Malaysia 3483 150 57 4 Local transmission 0

Japan 3271 351 70 1 Local transmission 0

Philippines 3094 76 144 8 Local transmission 0

Singapore 1189 75 5 0 Local transmission 0

New Zealand 872 48 1 0 Local transmission 0

Viet Nam 240 1 0 0 Local transmission 0

Brunei Darussalam 135 1 1 0 Local transmission 0

Cambodia 114 0 0 0 Local transmission 1

Mongolia 14 0 0 0 Imported cases only 3

Fiji 12 5 0 0 Local transmission 0

Lao People's Democratic Republic

10 0 0 0 Local transmission 3

Papua New Guinea 1 0 0 0 Imported cases only 15

Territories**

Guam 93 9 4 1 Local transmission 0

French Polynesia 40 1 0 0 Local transmission 0

New Caledonia 18 0 0 0 Local transmission 2

Northern Mariana Islands (Commonwealth of the)


European Region Spain 124736 7026 11744 809 Local transmission 0

Italy 124632 4805 15362 681 Local transmission 0

Germany 91714 5936 1342 184 Local transmission 0

France 67757 4221 7546 1053 Local transmission 0

The United Kingdom 41907 3735 4313 708 Local transmission 0

Turkey 23934 3013 501 76 Local transmission 0

Switzerland 20489 783 666 59 Local transmission 0

Belgium 18431 1661 1283 140 Local transmission 0

Netherlands 16627 904 1651 164 Local transmission 0

Austria 11766 241 186 18 Local transmission 0

Portugal 10524 638 266 20 Local transmission 0

Israel 7589 559 42 6 Local transmission 0

Sweden 6443 365 373 40 Local transmission 0

Norway 5510 302 50 6 Local transmission 0

Russian Federation 4731 582 43 9 Local transmission 0

Ireland 4604 331 137 17 Local transmission 0

Czechia 4472 282 59 6 Local transmission 0

Denmark 4077 320 161 22 Local transmission 0

Poland 3627 244 79 8 Local transmission 0

Romania 3613 430 141 8 Local transmission 0

Luxembourg 2729 117 31 0 Local transmission 0

Finland 1882 267 25 5 Local transmission 0

Greece 1673 60 68 9 Local transmission 0

Serbia 1624 148 39 0 Local transmission 0

Iceland 1417 53 4 0 Local transmission 0

Ukraine 1251 155 32 4 Local transmission 0

Croatia 1126 47 12 4 Local transmission 0

Estonia 1018 57 13 1 Local transmission 0

Slovenia 977 43 22 2 Local transmission 0

Lithuania 771 0 9 0 Local transmission 1

Republic of Moldova 752 161 12 3 Local transmission 0

Armenia 746 10 7 0 Local transmission 0

Hungary 733 55 34 2 Local transmission 0

Bosnia and Herzegovina


Kazakhstan 531 71 5 2 Local transmission 0

Azerbaijan 512 69 5 0 Local transmission 0

Latvia 509 16 1 0 Local transmission 0

Bulgaria 503 18 17 3 Local transmission 0

North Macedonia 483 53 17 5 Local transmission 0

Slovakia 471 21 0 0 Local transmission 0

Andorra 466 24 17 1 Local transmission 0

Belarus 440 186 4 0 Local transmission 0

Cyprus 426 30 11 0 Local transmission 0

Albania 333 0 18 1 Local transmission 1

Uzbekistan 298 57 2 0 Local transmission 0

San Marino 259 7 32 0 Local transmission 0

Malta 213 11 0 0 Local transmission 0

Montenegro 197 37 2 0 Local transmission 0

Georgia 170 13 1 1 Local transmission 0

Kyrgyzstan 147 3 1 0 Local transmission 0

Liechtenstein 77 1 1 1 Under investigation 0

Monaco 37 0 0 0 Local transmission 4

Holy See 7 0 0 0 Under investigation 2

Territories**

Faroe Islands 181 2 0 0 Local transmission 0

Kosovo[1] 140 8 1 0 Local transmission 0

Guernsey 136 22 2 0 Local transmission 0

Isle of Man 126 12 1 0 Local transmission 0

Jersey 123 5 3 1 Local transmission 0

Gibraltar 98 3 1 0 Local transmission 0

Greenland 10 0 0 0 Under investigation 7

South-East Asia Region

India 3374 1073 77 21 Local transmission 0

Indonesia 2092 106 191 10 Local transmission 0

Thailand 2067 89 20 1 Local transmission 0

Sri Lanka 159 8 5 1 Local transmission 0

Bangladesh 70 9 8 2 Local transmission 0

Myanmar 20 0 1 0 Local transmission 1

Maldives 19 0 0 0 Local transmission 2

Nepal 9 3 0 0 Local transmission 0

Bhutan 5 0 0 0 Imported cases only 2

Timor-Leste 1 0 0 0 Imported cases only 15

Eastern Mediterranean Region Iran (Islamic Republic of)


Pakistan 2880 430 45 10 Local transmission 0

Saudi Arabia 2370 331 29 4 Local transmission 0

United Arab Emirates 1505 241 10 1 Local transmission 0

Qatar 1325 250 3 0 Local transmission 0

Egypt 1070 85 71 5 Local transmission 0

Morocco 960 116 66 16 Local transmission 0

Iraq 878 58 56 2 Local transmission 0

Bahrain 688 15 4 0 Local transmission 0

Kuwait 556 77 1 0 Local transmission 0

Tunisia 553 58 19 1 Local transmission 0

Lebanon 527 19 18 1 Local transmission 0

Jordan 323 13 5 0 Local transmission 0

Afghanistan 299 29 7 2 Local transmission 0

Oman 298 21 2 1 Local transmission 0

Djibouti 51 1 0 0 Local transmission 0

Libya 17 0 1 0 Local transmission 1

Syrian Arab Republic 16 0 2 0 Local transmission 2

Sudan 10 0 2 0 Local transmission 1

Somalia 7 0 0 0 Local transmission 1

Territories**

occupied Palestinian territory


Region of the Americas United States of America


Canada 12938 1206 214 62 Local transmission 0

Brazil 9056 1146 359 60 Local transmission 0

Chile 4161 424 27 5 Local transmission 0

Ecuador 3465 302 172 52 Local transmission 0

Mexico 1688 178 60 10 Local transmission 0

Panama 1673 198 41 4 Local transmission 0

Peru 1595 181 61 10 Local transmission 0

Dominican Republic 1488 0 68 0 Local transmission 1

Argentina 1353 88 42 5 Local transmission 0

Colombia 1267 106 25 6 Local transmission 0

Costa Rica 416 20 2 0 Local transmission 0

Uruguay 386 17 4 0 Local transmission 0

Cuba 288 19 6 0 Local transmission 0

Honduras 264 42 15 0 Local transmission 0

Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)


Bolivia (Plurinational State of)


Trinidad and Tobago 100 3 6 0 Local transmission 0

Paraguay 96 4 3 0 Local transmission 0

El Salvador 56 10 3 1 Local transmission 0

Jamaica 53 6 3 0 Local transmission 0

Barbados 51 6 0 0 Local transmission 0

Guatemala 50 0 1 0 Local transmission 1

Bahamas 24 0 3 0 Local transmission 1

Guyana 23 4 4 0 Local transmission 0

Haiti 18 0 0 0 Imported cases only 1

Saint Lucia 13 0 0 0 Local transmission 3

Grenada 12 2 0 0 Local transmission 0

Dominica 11 0 0 0 Local transmission 9

Suriname 10 0 0 0 Local transmission 1

Saint Kitts and Nevis 9 1 0 0 Imported cases only 0

Antigua and Barbuda 7 0 0 0 Imported cases only 8

Nicaragua 5 0 1 0 Imported cases only 3

Belize 4 1 0 0 Local transmission 0

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

3 0 0 0 Imported cases only 1

Territories** Puerto Rico 452 74 18 3 Local transmission 0

Martinique 145 7 3 0 Local transmission 0

Guadeloupe 130 0 7 0 Local transmission 1

Aruba 64 2 0 0 Local transmission 0

French Guiana 62 5 0 0 Local transmission 0

United States Virgin Islands


Bermuda 35 0 0 0 Local transmission 1

Cayman Islands 28 0 1 0 Local transmission 1

Saint Martin 24 2 2 0 Under investigation 0

Sint Maarten 23 0 2 0 Imported cases only 1

Curaçao 11 0 1 0 Imported cases only 5

Montserrat 6 1 0 0 Imported cases only 0

Saint Barthélemy 6 0 0 0 Under investigation 5

Turks and Caicos Islands


Anguilla 3 0 0 0 Local transmission 1

British Virgin Islands 3 0 0 0 Imported cases only 4

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba

2 0 0 0 Imported cases only 1

Falkland Islands (Malvinas)

1 1 0 0 Under investigation 0

African Region South Africa 1585 80 9 2 Local transmission 0

Algeria 1251 265 130 47 Local transmission 0

Cameroon 555 309 9 2 Local transmission 0

Burkina Faso 302 41 15 0 Local transmission 0

Côte d’Ivoire 245 42 2 1 Local transmission 0

Senegal 219 12 2 1 Local transmission 0

Nigeria 210 20 4 2 Local transmission 0

Ghana 205 1 5 0 Local transmission 0

Mauritius 196 10 7 0 Local transmission 0

Democratic Republic of the Congo


Niger 144 46 8 3 Local transmission 0

Kenya 122 0 4 0 Local transmission 1

Guinea 111 59 0 0 Local transmission 0

Rwanda 102 13 0 0 Local transmission 0

Madagascar 70 5 0 0 Local transmission 0

Uganda 48 3 0 0 Local transmission 0

Congo 45 4 5 2 Local transmission 0

Togo 40 1 3 1 Local transmission 0

Mali 39 3 4 1 Local transmission 0

Zambia 39 0 1 0 Local transmission 2

Ethiopia 38 3 0 0 Local transmission 0

Gabon 21 0 1 0 Imported cases only 1

Eritrea 20 0 0 0 Local transmission 2

United Republic of Tanzania


Guinea-Bissau 18 3 0 0 Imported cases only 0

Equatorial Guinea 16 1 0 0 Local transmission 0

Namibia 14 1 0 0 Local transmission 0

Benin 13 0 0 0 Imported cases only 3

Angola 10 0 2 0 Imported cases only 1

Liberia 10 3 1 1 Local transmission 0

Mozambique 10 0 0 0 Local transmission 3

Seychelles 10 0 0 0 Imported cases only 3

Central African Republic


Eswatini 9 0 0 0 Imported cases only 8

Zimbabwe 9 0 1 0 Local transmission 1

Chad 7 0 0 0 Imported cases only 4

Mauritania 6 0 1 0 Imported cases only 1

Cabo Verde 5 0 1 0 Imported cases only 8

Botswana 4 0 1 0 Imported cases only 2

Gambia 4 0 1 0 Imported cases only 2

Sierra Leone 4 2 0 0 Imported cases only 0

Burundi 3 0 0 0 Local transmission 1

Malawi 3 0 0 0 Local transmission 2

Territories**

Réunion 334 13 0 0 Local transmission 0

Mayotte 147 19 2 0 Local transmission 0

Subtotal for all regions

1 133046

82 061

62 773

5798

International conveyance (Diamond


Princess) Grand total 1 133758 82 061 62 784 5798

*Numbers include both domestic and repatriated cases †The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on

the part of WHO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its

frontiers or boundaries. Dotted and dashed lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be fu ll agreement. ‡Case classifications are based on WHO case definitions for COVID-19. §Transmission classification is based on WHO analysis of available official data and may be subject to reclassification as additional data become

available. Countries/territories/areas experiencing multiple types of transmission are classified in the highest category for which there is

evidence; they may be removed from a given ca tegory if interruption of transmission can be demonstrated. It should be noted that even within categories, different countries/territories/areas may have differing degrees of transmission as indicated by the differing nu mbers of cases and

other factors. Not all locations within a given country/territory/area are equally affected.

Terms: - Community transmission is evidenced by the inability to relate confirmed cases through chains of transmission for a large number of cases, or by

increasing positive tests through sentinel samples (routine systematic testing of respiratory samples from established laboratories). - Local transmission indicates locations where the source of infection is within the reporting location.

- Imported cases only indicates locations where all cases have been acquired outside the location of reporting.

- Under investigation indicates locations where type of transmission has not been determined for any cases. - Interrupted transmission indicates locations where interruption of transmission has been demonstrated (details to be determined)

** “Territories” include territories, areas, overseas dependencies and other jurisdictions of similar status [1] All references to Kosovo should be understood to be in the context of the United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (19 99).

Due to differences in reporting methods, retrospective data consolidation, and reporting delays, the number of new cases may not always

reflect the exact difference between yesterday’s and today’s totals. WHO COVID-19 Situation Reports present official counts of confirmed COVID-19 cases, thus differences between WHO reports and other sources of COVID -19 data using different inclusion criteria and different

data cutoff times are to be expected.

New countries/territories/areas are shown in red.

Figure 1. Epidemic curve of confirmed COVID-19, by date of report and WHO region through 5 April 2020

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES WHO’s strategic objectives for this response are to:

• Interrupt human-to-human transmission including reducing secondary infections among close contacts and health care workers, preventing transmission amplification events, and preventing further international spread*;

• Identify, isolate and care for patients early, including providing optimized care for infected patients;

• Identify and reduce transmission from the animal source; • Address crucial unknowns regarding clinical severity, extent of transmission and infection, treatment

options, and accelerate the development of diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines; • Communicate critical risk and event information to all communities and counter misinformation;

• Minimize social and economic impact through multisectoral partnerships. *This can be achieved through a combination of public health measures, such as rapid identification, diagnosis and management of the cases, identification and follow up of the contacts, infection prevention and control in health care settings, implementation of health measures for travelers, awareness-raising in the population and risk communication.

PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE • To view all technical guidance documents regarding COVID-19, please go to this webpage.

• WHO has developed interim guidance for laboratory diagnosis, advice on the use of masks during home care and

in health care settings in the context of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak, clinical management,

infection prevention and control in health care settings, home care for patients with suspected novel

coronavirus, risk communication and community engagement and Global Surveillance for human infection with

novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

• WHO is working closely with International Air Transport Association (IATA) and have jointly developed a

guidance document to provide advice to cabin crew and airport workers, based on country queries. The

guidance can be found on the IATA webpage.

• WHO has been in regular and direct contact with Member States where cases have been reported. WHO is also

informing other countries about the situation and providing support as requested.

• WHO is working with its networks of researchers and other experts to coordinate global work on surveillance,

epidemiology, mathematical modelling, diagnostics and virology, clinical care and treatment, infection

prevention and control, and risk communication. WHO has issued interim guidance for countries, which are

updated regularly.

• WHO has prepared a disease commodity package that includes an essential list of biomedical equipment,

medicines and supplies necessary to care for patients with 2019-nCoV.

• WHO has provided recommendations to reduce risk of transmission from animals to humans.

• WHO has published an updated advice for international traffic in relation to the outbreak of the novel

coronavirus 2019-nCoV.

• WHO has activated the R&D blueprint to accelerate diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics.

• OpenWHO is an interactive, web-based, knowledge-transfer platform offering online courses to improve the

response to health emergencies. COVID-19 courses can be found here and courses in additional national

languages here. Specifically, WHO has developed online courses on the following topics:

o A general introduction to emerging respiratory viruses, including novel coronaviruses (available in

Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish, Hindi, Indian Sign Language, Persian, Portuguese,

Serbian and Turkish);

o Clinical care for Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (available in English, French, Russian, Indonesian

and Vietnamese);

o Health and safety briefing for respiratory diseases - ePROTECT (available in Chinese, English, French,

Russian, Spanish, Indonesian and Portuguese);

o Infection Prevention and Control for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) (available in Chinese, English, French,

Russian, Spanish, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Serbian); and

o COVID-19 Operational Planning Guidelines and COVID-19 Partners Platform to support country

preparedness and response (available in English and coming soon in additional languages).

• WHO is providing guidance on early investigations, which are critical in an outbreak of a new virus. The data

collected from the protocols can be used to refine recommendations for surveillance and case definitions, to

characterize the key epidemiological transmission features of COVID-19, help understand spread, severity,

spectrum of disease, impact on the community and to inform operational models for implementation of

countermeasures such as case isolation, contact tracing and isolation. Several protocols are available here. One

such protocol is for the investigation of early COVID-19 cases and contacts (the “First Few X (FFX) Cases and

contact investigation protocol for 2019-novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection”). The protocol is designed to

gain an early understanding of the key clinical, epidemiological and virological characteristics of the first cases of

COVID-19 infection detected in any individual country, to inform the development and updating of public health

guidance to manage cases and reduce the potential spread and impact of infection.

RECOMMENDATIONS AND ADVICE FOR THE PUBLIC

If you are not in an area where COVID-19 is spreading or have not travelled from an area where COVID-19 is

spreading or have not been in contact with an infected patient, your risk of infection is low. It is understandable that

you may feel anxious about the outbreak. Get the facts from reliable sources to help you accurately determine your

risks so that you can take reasonable precautions (see Frequently Asked Questions). Seek guidance from WHO, your

healthcare provider, your national public health authority or your employer for accurate information on COVID -19

and whether COVID-19 is circulating where you live. It is important to be informed of the situation and take

appropriate measures to protect yourself and your family (see Protection measures for everyone).

If you are in an area where there are cases of COVID-19 you need to take the risk of infection seriously. Follow the

advice of WHO and guidance issued by national and local health authorities. For most people, COVID-19 infection

will cause mild illness however, it can make some people very ill and, in some people, it can be fatal. Older people,

and those with pre-existing medical conditions (such as cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease or

diabetes) are at risk for severe disease (See Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past

14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading).

CASE DEFINITIONS

WHO periodically updates the Global Surveillance for human infection with coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

document which includes case definitions.

For easy reference, case definitions are included below.

Suspect case

A. A patient with acute respiratory illness (fever and at least one sign/symptom of respiratory disease, e.g., cough,

shortness of breath), AND a history of travel to or residence in a location reporting community transmission of

COVID-19 disease during the 14 days prior to symptom onset.

OR

B. A patient with any acute respiratory illness AND having been in contact with a confirmed or probable COVID -19

case (see definition of contact) in the last 14 days prior to symptom onset;

OR

C. A patient with severe acute respiratory illness (fever and at least one sign/symptom of respiratory disease, e.g.,

cough, shortness of breath; AND requiring hospitalization) AND in the absence of an alternative diagnosis that

fully explains the clinical presentation.

Probable case

A. A suspect case for whom testing for the COVID-19 virus is inconclusive.

a. Inconclusive being the result of the test reported by the laboratory.

OR

B. A suspect case for whom testing could not be performed for any reason.

Confirmed case

A person with laboratory confirmation of COVID-19 infection, irrespective of clinical signs and symptoms.

• Technical guidance for laboratory testing can be found here.

Definition of contact

A contact is a person who experienced any one of the following exposures during the 2 days before and the 14 days

after the onset of symptoms of a probable or confirmed case:

1. Face-to-face contact with a probable or confirmed case within 1 meter and for more than 15 minutes;

2. Direct physical contact with a probable or confirmed case;

3. Direct care for a patient with probable or confirmed COVID-19 disease without using proper personal

protective equipment1; OR

4. Other situations as indicated by local risk assessments.

Note: for confirmed asymptomatic cases, the period of contact is measured as the 2 days before through the 14 days

after the date on which the sample was taken which led to confirmation.

1 World Health Organization. Infection prevention and control during health care when COVID-19 is suspected https://www.who.int/publications-detail/infection-prevention-and-control-during-health-care-when-novel-coronavirus-(ncov)-infection-is-suspected-20200125

pandemic plan - westwimmera.vic.gov.au

Documents