25/03/2020
As this is an evolving global health crisis the information and testing criteria will continuously evolve.
As you may have heard on the news this morning the criteria for testing has changed again.
The updated testing criteria are;
A patient with acute respiratory illness (fever and at least one sign/symptom of respiratory disease, e.g., cough, shortness of breath)
Or a patient with any acute respiratory illness AND having been in contact with a confirmed or probable COVID-19 case in the last 14 days prior to symptom onset
Or a patient with severe acute respiratory illness (fever and at least one sign/symptom of respiratory disease, e.g., cough, shortness of breath; AND requiring hospitalization) AND in the absence of an alternative diagnosis that fully explains the clinical presentation.
If a person meets this criteria they will be tested if they are in an at-risk group;
a) Symptomatic close contacts of a confirmed case
b) Symptomatic healthcare workers
c) Symptomatic at risk groups that include persons with diabetes, immunosuppressed, chronic lung disease, chronic heart disease,cerebrovascular disease, chronic renal disease, chronic liver disease and smokers
d) Symptomatic household contacts of at-risk groups
e) Symptomatic staff or residents in a long-term care facility
f) Symptomatic prison staff and inmates where it may be difficult to implement self-isolation advice
g) Symptomatic pregnant women (not because of a documented increase risk of complications but to ensure to safe clinical pathway of care)
If you meet these criteria please contact your GP to be referred for testing for COVID 19
