The statement said people “should get tested” if they have any COVID-19 symptoms and also seek help when required.
Echuca’s new COVID-19 testing site has opened at the old Echuca South Primary School (entry via South St) for PCR testing.
Anyone who receives a positive PCR test will receive a text message with a survey they must complete.
This will include assessment of current symptoms, age, medical history, vaccination status and questions about support available to them.
If the self-care criteria is met upon completion of the survey, the positive COVID cases will receive an automated SMS with instructions to seek help if their condition deteriorates by contacting their GP, nurse on call or 000.
If anyone has a positive Rapid Antigen Test they should register this with their relevant state health departments.
• NSW: 1800 675 398 or visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
• VIC: 1800 960 933 or Email: coronavirus.vic.gov.au/report or visit https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/node/22270
When they register a positive Rapid Antigen Test, they will be required to complete a registration process, which will deem whether they are eligible for self-care or whether they need to be managed through the COVID-19 positive pathways intake assessment teams, who will determine your clinical and social needs.
They will then be allocated to the appropriate pathway and are required follow information you receive.
People who are identified as high risk will be referred to the Hospital in the Home (HITH) COVID-19 home monitoring team.
The team works seven days a week and is comprised of nurses, Doctors (including a paediatrician), midwives and allied health staff such as social workers and Physiotherapists.
Through telehealth they will monitor the person closely and attend to any deterioration quickly.
If the patient with COVID-19 is either self-monitoring or receiving daily text messages — and begins to deteriorate — they are asked to please ensure they reply to DHHS messaging or reach out to their GP.
If the patient is unable to receive timely assistance or is are unable to obtain either a PCR test or Rapid Antigen Test, and feels unwell with Covid-19, they should contact the HITH team on 5485 5231, or after hours on 5485 5281.
The ERH team will assess them and admit for monitoring if required.
Early intervention can prevent serious complications, so the ERH has urged people not to wait until they are unwell enough to present at emergency because of illness.
ERH has recently started admitting patients to its hospital with COVID-19 that are within its capability to care for (this excludes paediatric and maternity patients).
While this is an important change, the ERH expects the vast majority of patients will continue to be cared for in the community.
ERH wants to reassure the community that it are is here to assist people if they become unwell.
ERH can also provide assistance and support to community members experiencing issues around isolation and safety at home.
