What you need to know

• Prompt reporting of positive rapid antigen tests (RAT) helps the Victorian Government provide resources and support to individuals and services
• Unreported positive RAT results can mean entry into the COVID Positive Pathways program may be delayed
• Day services providers and workers can assist participants and families to report a positive RAT

Recent outbreaks among community and non-residential disability services have revealed the lack of online reporting by people with disabilities who have received positive rapid antigen test results. Not reporting positive RAT results can mean potentially missing out on critical support and anti-viral treatments.

All providers are urged to support early notification during  a COVID-19 exposure or outbreak for access to:

• the COVID Positive Pathways program
• assessment for and access to anti-viral treatments that reduce the chance of becoming seriously ill
• regular in-home contact from GP or health service
• clinical support for eligible residents of supported disability accommodation

Day services providers and workers are requested to assist participants and families to report a positive RAT through:

• making inquiries about whether the positive result has been reported
• supporting participants and/or families to complete the online form or make a phone 1800 675 398 to report positive tests
• complete the online form on behalf of a person with a disability, permitted under the Department of Health guidelines as reporting is a legal requirement

Where to report COVID-19 cases and outbreaks for disability service providers

The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) website provides an easy-to-follow flow chart for reporting positive cases for individual cases and outbreaks for providers.

Reporting outbreaks

Details on outbreaks, their definition, and reporting requirements in residential and non-residential disability settings are also available at the DFFH website.

In the case of an outbreak:

• Residential services should complete the RAT Notification form online or by calling 1800 675 398 on behalf of the resident, where appropriate
• A parent, legal guardian, authorised carer, or health professional can complete the online form on behalf of another person
• Notify NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission using the COVID-19 Notification of event form, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 1800 035 544. The Commission will notify NDIA.
• Notify DFFH COVID Readiness and Response via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• WorkSafe must be notified if someone contracts COVID-19 or another disease at a workplace and requires immediate in-patient care or dies as a result
• If the case numbers meet the definition of an outbreak, notify the local public health unit (LPHU) by completing the outbreak notification form

Article sourced from National Disability Services