Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Update #16
Due to a number of cases associated with Adelaide Airport, it is now recommended to test persons with a COVID-19 compatible illness who have been in the airport in the 14 days prior to illness onset.
Testing recommendations for South Australia:
- Test for SARS-CoV-2 in anyone meeting the epidemiological AND clinical criteria in the table below.
- Isolate patients who have been tested pending results.
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CRITERIA |
CLINICAL CRITERIA |
Very high risk
|
OR
|
High risk setting Two or more cases of illness clinically consistent with COVID-19 (see clinical criteria) in the following settings:
|
|
High risk setting Two or more cases of illness clinically consistent with COVID-19 (see clinical criteria) in the following settings:
|
|
Moderate risk Healthcare workers, aged or residential care workers |
|
Background risk
|
AND
|
§ Measured using a tympanic, oral or other thermometer proven to consistently and accurately represent core body temperature
* Clinical judgement should be exercised in testing hospitalised patients. Patients should attend an ED if clinical deterioration occurs.
Medical practitioners are advised to:
- Not work whilst symptomatic with an influenza-like illness.
- Refer to earlier Public Health Alert of 26 February 2020 for further details of PPE, infection control and specimen collection www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/HealthAlerts
- Send specimens to SA Pathology. Request respiratory viruses including COVID-19.
- Do not send patients to a general pathology collection centre.
- Do not test patients for ‘medical clearance’ certificates for schools or workplaces.
- See the Australian Government Department for Health for further information https://bit.ly/2QAK1JU
- Notify suspected and confirmed cases online: https://extapps2.sahealth.sa.gov.au/CDCB-Notify/
- Regularly visit the SA Health website: for SA updates: www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/COVID2019
For information on COVID-19 Clinics and Testing Centres https://bit.ly/2J5OEaL
Dr Louise Flood – Director, Communicable Disease Control Branch