As COVID-19 continues to circulate in the community, COVID-safe behaviours remain an important part of taking care of each other.

Tasmania has seen a rapid increase in hospitalisations from the COVID-19 virus, with around 32 new admissions to hospitals in the last seven days.

Antiviral prescriptions increased in December to levels not seen since January 2023. The increases are linked to a new variant, JN.1.

Free RATs from the Tasmanian government, given directly to disability providers, has finished. NDS is aware that many members are having trouble getting enough free or low-cost RATs. We have raised this urgent issue with the Tasmanian government.

Concession card holders can get free RATs at Service Tasmania outlets, and people unable to leave home, such as people with a disability, can contact the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 for assistance. Eligible NDIS participants can also buy RATs through their NDIS plans. The NDIS has more information for providers on their website.

For vulnerable patients who meet referral criteria, COVID@homeplus continues to provide remote healthcare in the home for COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, such as flu or flu-like illness. Their contact number is 1800 973 363.

NDS and health authorities encourage disability service providers to do what they can to reduce transmission during this wave.

These six steps can help your organisation stay ahead of COVID-19:

1. Encourage your staff to wear a N-95 mask.
2. Get vaccinated: stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine and encourage your staff and clients to do so. New monovalent vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe disease, and for in-depth information about COVID, the latest vaccines and vaccination guidelines, visit the Department of Health and Aged Care’s COVID page.
3. Let fresh air in: open windows and doors — it reduces the spread of the virus — and meet outside when possible.
4. Consider surveillance testing for clients, staff and visitors. Ask your staff to get tested if they have symptoms.
5. Stay at home: if someone in your team has COVID-19, they should stay at home for at least seven days and until they have no symptoms. Encourage your staff with possible COVID-19 symptoms to stay at home. Symptomatic people should not visit people at risk of severe illness or sensitive settings, such as hospitals and aged care facilities.
6. Take antivirals: if someone is at risk of falling very sick, they may be eligible for COVID-19 antiviral medicines. They must take these within five days of developing symptoms — the sooner the better.

For a range of practical information, including developing sound risk management practices, go to NDS’s COVID-19 hub.