COVID-19 management

1
flow chart
18 June 2020 | version 2.1

Preparation
for COVID-19

4 Manage a 
suspected outbreak
of COVID-19

2
Risk assessment
for COVID-19

3Manage a
suspected or confirmed
case of COVID-19

Engage
Empower
Safeguard
1.
18 June 2020 | version 2.1

COVID-19 management flow chart

Preparation for COVID-19

Vaccinate all Infection

Plan residents and
for cases control
staff against preparedness
influenza

Develop a facility Ensure staff, residents, Provide refresher infection

management plan volunteers and visitors are
aware of the importance
of annual influenza vaccination
and pneumococcal vaccine,
Ensure all staff and general where appropriate
practitioners (GPs) are aware
of this plan
Ensure staff are aware of the
mandatory requirements
for vaccination, and provide
free and accessible influenza
vaccination for all staff on site
at times that cater for all shifts
control training to all staff
that includes information
about COVID-19
Ensure personal protective
equipment (PPE), hand
washing facilities and alcohol
based hand rubs are available
near point of care and at the
entrance to the facility

Encourage frequent and

appropriate hand hygiene
Encourage GPs to vaccinate at all times (5 Moments)
residents against influenza
and pneumococcal

Ensure infection control signage

is available for use
Create a list of staff and
residents by influenza
vaccination status; ensure it
is kept updated and accessible Consider how case isolation
will be managed
This information is current at the date specified.
Guidance may change, and the most recent
information is available from: health.gov.au/
resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-
guidelines-for-outbreaks-in-residential-care-facilities
Source: CDNA National Guidelines for the Prevention, Develop contingency staffing
Control and Public Health Management of COVID-19 plans in event of staff illness
Outbreaks in Residential Care Facilities in Australia
(version 3.0). and isolation

Ensure stocked respiratory

hygiene stations are at each
visitor entrance
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COVID-19 management flow chart

Risk assessment for COVID-19

Identify
Risk Assessment signs/symptoms Action
for COVID-19 of COVID-19

High risk Clinical criteria Test

• Staff and management • Fever (≥37.5 degrees Celsius) (on site for aged care residents,
should keep up to date OR history of fever where feasible)
with the latest guidelines OR acute respiratory infection
on who should be tested (e.g. cough, shortness
for COVID-19, by reviewing of breath, sore throat).
their state or territory Health • The treating clinician may
Department website consider investigating
• Staff should be aware that residents with atypical signs
they are working in a high and symptoms of COVID-19
risk environment and should
not attend work if they feel
unwell, to protect themselves
and residents
• Staff should be vigilant
in monitoring for COVID-19
and should strongly
encourage good hygiene
for both residents and staff

This information is current at the date specified.

Guidance may change, and the most recent
information is available from: health.gov.au/
resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-
guidelines-for-outbreaks-in-residential-care-facilities
Source: CDNA National Guidelines for the Prevention,
Control and Public Health Management of COVID-19
Outbreaks in Residential Care Facilities in Australia
(version 3.0).
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COVID-19 management flow chart

Manage a suspected or confirmed case

Implement
additional Ensure
Collect appropriate
infection control
specimens management
measures
immediately of cases

Discuss each resident Commence droplet precautions Symptomatic and supportive

with suspected COVID-19 including gown, gloves, eye treatment under the guidance
with treating GP protection (goggles) and of the GP
a fluid resistant surgical mask
when caring for residents with
a COVID-like illness. Maintain
a 1.5 metre distance between
Obtain laboratory request forms an infected person and others Use of medication is a clinical
for respiratory viral testing decision made by the GP
INCLUDING CORONAVIRUS

Isolate residents with

COVID-like illness, if feasible Transfer to hospital as indicated
Observe droplet precautions (Single room with ensuite)
when collecting specimens
i.e. gown, gloves, fluid
resistant surgical mask and
eye protection (goggles). Advise agedcareCOVIDcases
Wash hands before and Staff and volunteers with @health.gov.au and relevant
after collection a COVID-like illness must stay state or territory Public Health
away from the facility until well Unit of testing. The PHU
and seek medical advice and may advise the service to
testing, where required implement additional actions
while awaiting a test result
Collect the appropriate of resident or staff member
respiratory sample. Use a single
viral transport collection swab Non-essential visitors should not
for each person attend. Essential visitors should
not attend if they are unwell

This information is current at the date specified.

Guidance may change, and the most recent
information is available from: health.gov.au/
resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19- Inform all visitors about cough
guidelines-for-outbreaks-in-residential-care-facilities etiquette and hand hygiene
Source: CDNA National Guidelines for the Prevention,
Control and Public Health Management of COVID-19
Outbreaks in Residential Care Facilities in Australia
(version 3.0).

Immunise residents and staff

who have not been immunised
with the current influenza
vaccine as soon as possible
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COVID-19 management flow chart

Manage a suspected outbreak

Document
Confirm and monitor Inform End
outbreak outbreak outbreak
daily

A single confirmed Nominate Advise agedcare No new cases

or probable an outbreak COVIDcases@ for 14 days from
case of COVID-19 coordinator and health.gov.au isolation of the
in a resident, staff management team of any confirmed last case
member or frequent at the facility cases of COVID-19
attendee of among residents
the service or staff. Inform
the relevant state
Send final detailed
or territory Public
Create a detailed list to the relevant
Health Unit. Contact
list of residents and state or territory
again if death
staff with COVID-like Public Health Unit
or hospitalisation
illness including
of resident
location, influenza
or staff occurs
vaccination
status, onset
Review and
date, symptoms,
evaluate outbreak
specimens taken
management
and results, Inform GPs, facility
treatment staff, residents and
and outcome. families of residents
Update the list daily

This information is current at the date specified.

Guidance may change, and the most recent
information is available from: health.gov.au/
resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-
guidelines-for-outbreaks-in-residential-care-facilities
Source: CDNA National Guidelines for the Prevention,
Control and Public Health Management of COVID-19
Outbreaks in Residential Care Facilities in Australia
(version 3.0).