COVID-19 Clinical Response

Introduction

This document is designed to align with the Department of Health System Alert and Response document and should be used in conjunction with the COVID Management guideline relating to clinical care of patients, the COVID-19 Quick Reference Guide and information on Personal Protective Equipment

This document should be considered a ‘live document’ and will be reviewed and updated regularly in response to:

New legislation or statutory directions;
Changes in advice based on emerging evidence or national guidelines;
Learnings from outbreak management locally, in other jurisdictions and internationally; or
Stakeholder engagement and feedback.

As this is a living document please ensure you regularly return to this page to stay current on latest information

Regional response levels

Region	Response level
Kimberley	Red
Pilbara	Red
Midwest	Red
Goldfields	Red
Wheatbelt	Red
Perth-Peel	Red
South West	Red
Great Southern	Red

Last updated: 03/03/2022; Source: WA Department of Health. Note: As St John WA's Clinical Response framework does not include items impacted by Interim response levels, the DoH Amber - Interim level is reflected in this document only as Amber.

Clinical and epidemiological criteria of COVID-19

Clinical evidence:

Fever (≥37.5⁰C) or recent history of fever (e.g. night sweats, chills)
Acute respiratory infection (e.g. cough, shortness of breath, sore throat)
Acute loss of smell or taste
A positive or inconclusive rapid antigen test result

Other reported non-specific symptoms of COVID-19 include: fatigue, headache, runny nose, acute blocked nose (congestion), muscle pain, joint pain, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting and loss of appetite.

Epidemiological evidence:

Close contact (refer to Close contacts) with a confirmed case
Domestic and international travel
Workers supporting designated COVID-19 quarantine and isolation services
Air and maritime crew, airport and seaport workers and associated support services (including international border staff)
Health, aged or residential care workers and staff with potential COVID-19 patient contact
People who have been in a setting where there is a COVID-19 case
People who have been in areas with recent local transmission of SARS-CoV-2

Response framework

Response category	Green (COVID-19 READY)	Amber (COVID-19 ALERT)	Red (WIDESPREAD TRANSMISSION)	Black (SYSTEM AT CAPACITY)
PPE Supporting documents: SJWA COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment	Applicable at ALL alert levels - Standard Precautions apply. Additional PPE requirements for each alert level outlined in table below Applicable for ALL alert levels - PPE for management of patients suspected/confirmed to have COVID-19, and for patient testing as per PPE interim guidelines: P2/N95 respirator Eye protection Risk assess need for gown/coveralls Risk assess need for gloves Public Health and Social Measures, including face mask directives, should be complied with in all regions when not covered by circumstances below Surgical masks for patients - if clinically appropriate and tolerated patients should wear a surgical mask (and have them perform hand hygiene)
	For all patient contacts P2/N95 respirator Eye protection Risk assess need for gown/coveralls Risk assess need for gloves When in emergency departments without a patient P2/N95 respirator Eye protection Other areas of hospitals Comply with site specific policies and public health and social measures	For all patient contacts P2/N95 respirator Eye protection Risk assess need for gown/coveralls Risk assess need for gloves When in emergency departments without a patient P2/N95 respirator Eye protection Other areas of hospitals Comply with site specific policies and public health and social measures	For all patient contacts P2/N95 respirator Eye protection Risk assess need for gown/coveralls Risk assess need for gloves When in all areas of a hospital without a patient P2/N95 respirator Eye protection	As per Red response
Patient screening and testing Supporting documents: Clinical Skill - Rapid Antigen Testing	Screen patients and any persons accompanying patient for epidemiological and clinical COVID-19 risk factors	Screen patients and any persons accompanying patient for epidemiological and clinical COVID-19 risk factors Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT): If supplies of RAT adequate, test all patients being transported to emergency department per clinical skill	Screen patients and any persons accompanying patient for epidemiological and clinical COVID-19 risk factors Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT): If supplies of RAT adequate, test all patients being transported to emergency department per clinical skill	Screen patients and any persons accompanying patient for epidemiological and clinical COVID-19 risk factors Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT): If supplies of RAT adequate, test all patients being transported to emergency department per clinical skill
Nebulisation Supporting documents: Clinical Skill - Nebuliser	Normal practice per CPGs	A Metered-dose Inhaler (MDI) + Spacer is very effective in most situations. Avoid nebulisers in all patients unless deemed clinically necessary. Agree treatment plan with your partner and wear full PPE if proceeding Nebulised adrenaline can continue to be used for severe croup as per the current CPG.	As per Amber response	As per Amber response

Other relevant St John WA guidelines

External resources

Document Control

Directorate

Clinical Services

Responsible Manager

Head of Clinical Services

Date

Review Date

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