COVID-19: Updated case definition and advice on testing and notification

COVID-19: Updated case definition and advice on testing and notification

Published by Auckland, Counties Manukau and Waitematā DHBs on 15/03/2020 4:17:11 PM.

Please find below a National Health Advisory from the National Health Coordination Centre (NHCC).

The metro Auckland DHBs are working closely with your PHOs to coordinate our response and support primary care. Thank you for the work you are doing to keep our communities safe.

Key points to note:

The COVID-19 Case definition has changed (details in National Health Advisory below).

• An updated primary care algorithm will be uploaded to Auckland Region Health Pathways and distributed via Medinz as soon as it is available.
• Border controls have also changed – together with the case definition change this will impact on volume of testing required.

Testing and notification updates for metro Auckland General Practice:

• To ensure the system can support the anticipated test volumes required please remember that as per the current algorithm the swabs for both throat and nasopharynx are to be put into a single vial.
• Medical officer approval is no longer required for testing, but patients must meet the new case definition, and notification is still required.
• Notification will be supported by e-referrals which is currently in development and expected to be available by the end of the week.
• A POAC process will be implemented by the end of this week to provide funding for a package of care including assessment, swabbing, management and follow up of negative swabs. Any testing done to date will also be funded retrospectively, patients should not be charged – further information and guidance to follow.
• Testing will also be undertaken at the airport from today (Monday 15 March).
• Plans are underway to establish community testing sites across Metro Auckland, these will be available within two weeks – further information to follow.

Continue to check Auckland Region Health Pathways for information and resources

MINISTRY OF HEALTH - NATIONAL HEALTH ADVISORY 14 March 2020

This advisory is to formally notify you that Ministers met this afternoon to make decisions on the border and associated measures, and on cruise ships in relation to COVID-19. The following decisions have been made:

• The 1B category has been extended to include the rest of the world (including Australia)
• The Pacific has been added into Category 2
• China and Iran remain in Category 1A.
• To direct cruise ships not to come to New Zealand as of 23:59 on 14 March 2020 until 23:59 on 30 June 2020
The timelines for these measures coming into effect are as follows:
• Cruise ships: 23:59 Saturday (today, 14 March 2020)
• Border measures: 23:59pm (Sunday, 15 March 2020)
These decisions will be reviewed in 16 days’ time.

For clarification the Pacific was defined as: all Pacific Island Forum members (except French Polynesia), Associate Member Tokelau, and Observer Wallis and Futunain.

Updated advice for Health Professionals is available on the Ministry of Health website. https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-novel-coronavirus-information-specific-audiences/covid-19-novel-coronavirus-resources-health-professionals

Additional advice will follow.

Thank you for all your work to help protect the health of all New Zealanders.