Superseded - Residential Aged Care Direction (No. 11)

This direction has been superseded on 15 January 2022. See the current Residential Aged Care Visitor Direction (No. 2).

Summary

Effective from: 1.00am AEST 13 December 2021

Posted: 11 December 2021

Superseded on: 15 January 2022

Direction from Chief Health Officer in accordance with emergency powers arising from the declared public health emergency

Public Health Act 2005 (Qld)
Section 362B

On 29 January 2020, under the Public Health Act 2005, the Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services made an order declaring a public health emergency in relation to coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The public health emergency area specified in the order is for ‘all of Queensland’. Its duration has been extended by regulation to 26 March 2022 and may be further extended.

Further to this declaration, l, Dr Peter Aitken, Chief Health Officer, reasonably believe it is necessary to give the following directions pursuant to s362B of the Public Health Act 2005 to assist in containing, or to respond to, the spread of COVID-19 within the community.

Preamble

  1. This Public Health Direction replaces the Residential Aged Care Direction (No. 10) made on 5 November 2021.

  2. The requirements set out in this Public Health Direction only apply while it is in force (until the end of the declared public health emergency, unless earlier revoked or replaced).

  3. The Commonwealth is responsible for regulating and funding aged care under the Aged Care Act 1997 (Cth). The requirements set out in this Public Health Direction are intended to operate in addition to any existing requirements under the Aged Care Act 1997 (Cth), including related subordinate legislation.

  4. To the extent of any inconsistency between this Public Health Direction and a requirement under the Aged Care Act 1997 (Cth), the Act applies or prevails.

  5. Separately from the requirements under Public Health Directions, under sections 362G and 362H of the Public Health Act 2005, an emergency officer (public health) can require a facility or person to comply with additional directions if the emergency officer believes it is reasonably necessary to assist in containing, or to respond to, the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

Citation

  1. This Public Health Direction may be referred to as the Residential Aged Care Direction (No.  11).

Revocation

  1. The Residential Aged Care Direction (No.10) made on 5 November 2021 is revoked from 12.59am on 13 December 2021.

Commencement

  1. This Direction applies from 1.00am on 13 December 2021, except for Part 6A which applies form 5:00am AEST 17 December 2021, until the end of the declared public health emergency, unless it is revoked or replaced.

PART 1 – GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE FACILITIES

  1. This part applies to all residential aged care facilities in the State of Queensland.

  2. A person, other than the resident of the residential aged care facility, must not enter, or remain on, the premises of a residential aged care facility in the State of Queensland if:

    1. the person has been diagnosed with COVID-19, unless the person is no longer subject to a direction to self-isolate under section 362B or section 362H of the Public Health Act 2005; or

    2. the person is unvaccinated and has been in a COVID-19 hotspot, outside of the Border Zone, in the 14 days immediately preceding the entry, or since the start date identified for the COVID-19 hotspot, whichever is shorter;

    3. during the 14 days immediately preceding the entry, the person who is an international arrival arrived in Australia from a place outside Australia; or

    4. the person has been to an interstate exposure venue, unless 14 days have passed since the person was at the interstate exposure venue;

      Note: a person who has been to an interstate exposure venue must quarantine as required by the Interstate Exposure Venues Direction (No. 3) or successor.

    5. during the 14 days immediately preceding the entry or since the start date identified for the interstate area of concern (vulnerable facilities), whichever period is shorter, the person has been in a place which at the time of entry is an interstate area of concern (vulnerable facilities) https://www.health.qld.gov.au/system-governance/legislation/cho-public-health-directions-under-expanded-public-health-act-powers/interstate-areas-of-concern.

    6. the person lives or works, or has lived or worked, in a restricted area after the identified start date, unless 14 days have passed since the person was in the restricted area;

    7. the person has been informed they are a close contact of a diagnosed person, or a secondary contact, unless their quarantine period has ended; or

      Note: Close contact with a person who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 under paragraph 11(f) does not include contact that occurs when a residential aged care worker or healthcare worker or practitioner providing health or medical care has been wearing appropriate PPE in accordance with Queensland Health’s Residential Aged Care Facility and Disability Accommodation PPE Guidance and has followed recommended infection control precautions.

    8. the person has a temperature equal to or higher than 37.5 degrees or symptoms consistent with COVID-19; or

    9. the person has been tested for COVID-19 and has not yet received the results of that test.

      Note: See the exception in paragraph  12 for a person waiting for a result from a routine surveillance testing obligation.

  3. In addition to paragraph 10, from 5:00am EAST 17 December 2021, a person who is unvaccinated, other than the resident of the aged care facility, must not enter, or remain on, the premises of a residential aged care facility in the State of Queensland unless the person is:

    1. under 16 years of age; or

    2. unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccine because of a recognised medical contraindication and has evidence of a recognised medical contraindication; or

    3. a COVID-19 vaccine trial participant, and receipt of a Therapeutic Goods Administration approved vaccine would impact the validity of the trial. As this exemption is temporary, the medical certificate must not have expired.

    4. entering the premises for an end of life visit for a resident of the residential aged care facility; or

    5. entering the premises to provide support to a resident in an emergency situation.

    6. a parent, carer, guardian or support person who provides care or support to a resident of a residential aged care facility, including advocacy services.

    Note: A parent, carer, guardian or support person who is not fully vaccinated can attend a residential aged care facility to provide support, caring responsibilities or to fulfil other advocacy roles to a resident of the aged care facility, provided that they comply with the risk mitigation measures put in place by the facility.

    Note: All unvaccinated persons who are permitted to enter the facility must follow the risk mitigation measures put in place by the facility. For example this may require wearing a single use-surgical face mask, safely physically distancing from others or having a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of entering the facility.

Exception for a person waiting for a COVID-19 test result

  1. Despite paragraph 9(i) a person may enter a residential aged care facility if the person is awaiting the result of a COVID-19 PCR test taken in accordance with a surveillance testing obligation under a Public Health Direction or Protocol approved by the Chief Health Officer.

    Note: A person awaiting COVID-19 PCR tests results as part of a surveillance testing obligation must still comply with the requirements in paragraphs 9(a) to (f). For example, a person awaiting results of a routine COVID-19 PCR test required under a protocol must not enter, or remain on, the premises of a residential aged care facility if they have symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

Exception for people entering from interstate area of concern

  1. Despite paragraph 10(e), the following persons may enter and remain on the premises of a residential aged care facility if the person obtains a negative COVID-19 PCR test result in Queensland after returning from an interstate area of concern (vulnerable facilities):

    1. an employee, contractor or student of the residential aged care facility; or

    2. a person providing goods or services that are necessary for the effective operation of the residential aged care facility, whether the goods are provided for consideration or on a voluntary basis; or

    3. a person providing health, medical, personal care (such as hairdressing), pathology or pharmaceutical services to a resident of the residential aged care facility, whether the goods or services are provided for consideration or on a voluntary basis;

    4. the person’s presence is required for emergency management, law enforcement or the exercise of a power or function of a government agency or entity under a law; or

    5. the person is a prospective resident of the residential aged care facility or a support person of a prospective resident; or

    6. with the permission of the operator of the residential aged care facility, a person maintaining continuity of care for a resident that cannot be delivered by electronic or non-contact means; or

      Example for paragraph (f): A resident may require support from their primary care giver to eat their meals.

    7. the person's presence at the premises is for the purposes of end of life visit for a resident of the residential aged care facility.

Exception for people entering from a restricted area

  1. Despite paragraph 10(f) the following persons may enter and remain on the premises of a residential aged care facility:

    1. an employee or contractor of the residential aged care facility; or

    2. a vaccinated student; or

    3. a person providing goods or services that are necessary for the effective operation of the residential aged care facility, whether the goods are provided for consideration or on a voluntary basis; or

    4. a person providing health, medical, personal care (such as hairdressing), pathology or pharmaceutical services to a resident of the residential aged care facility, whether the goods or services are provided for consideration or on a voluntary basis;

    5. the person’s presence is required for emergency management, law enforcement or the exercise of a power or function of a government agency or entity under a law; or

    6. the person is a prospective resident of the residential aged care facility or a support person of a prospective resident; or

    7. with the permission of the operator of the residential aged care facility, a person maintaining continuity of care for a resident that cannot be delivered by electronic or non-contact means; or

      Example for paragraph (f): A resident may require support from their primary care giver to eat their meals.

    8. the person's presence at the premises is for the purposes of end of life visit for a resident of the residential aged care facility; or

    9. a fully vaccinated legal practitioner who is required to undertake essential legal work that must be completed face to face.

  2. Despite paragraphs 13 and 14, a person subject to a quarantine order issued by an emergency officer (public health) is not permitted to enter or remain on, the premises of a residential aged care facility in the State of Queensland.

    Example – a person who has been in a public exposure site as listed by the Victorian Government and who has travelled to Queensland and is now required to quarantine, or a person who is quarantining in a Queensland COVID-19 restricted area.

  3. If paragraph 13 applies to a person proposing to enter a residential aged care facility, the operator of the facility may require the person to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result obtained by the person in Queensland, after returning from an interstate area of concern (vulnerable facilities).

  4. If paragraph 14 applies to a person proposing to enter a residential aged care facility, the operator of the facility may require the person to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of COVID-19 to residents of the facility, including use appropriate personal protective equipment, or provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result obtained by the person in Queensland within the previous 72 hours.

Obligation on operators

  1. The operator of a residential aged care facility must take all reasonable steps to ensure that a person does not enter or remain on the premises of the residential aged care facility if the person is prohibited from doing so under this Direction.

  2. Nothing in this Direction is to be taken to prevent a resident of a residential aged care facility from entering or remaining upon the premises of the residential aged care facility.

Workforce Management and Personal Protective Equipment

  1. The operator of a residential aged care facility must develop a Workforce Management Plan that:

    1. requires employees, contractors, volunteers and students to notify a residential aged care facility of their additional place of employment, if relevant;

    2. requires employees, contractors, volunteers and students if they become aware of a COVID-19 case identified at an additional place of employment, to notify the operator of a residential aged care facility;

      Note: This is to assist with contact tracing when an identified case of COVID-19 is confirmed.

    3. identifies how workforce surge requirements will be met if there is a COVID-19 event at the facility, in accordance with relevant guidance provided by Queensland Health;

    4. provides that the operator must notify the local Health Emergency Operations Centre of a critical workforce shortage for notification purposes.

      Note: The requirement for a residential aged care facility to notify the local Health Emergency Operations Centre will support Queensland Health’s COVID-19 response.

  2. It is recommended that the operator of a residential aged care facility ensure, to the extent possible, that employees, contractors, volunteers and students do not work across multiple care facilities.

    Note: Care facilities include but are not limited to hospitals, retirement villages, residential aged care facilities and distinct sections of a facility providing multiple types of care such as a Multi-Purpose Health Service.

  3. The operator of a residential aged care facility must ensure that where employees, contractors, volunteers and students do work across multiple care facilities, they must not enter, or remain on, the premises of the residential aged care facility without wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, in accordance with Queensland Health’s Residential Aged Care Facility and Disability Accommodation PPE Guidance.

    Note: A person who does not, or is unable to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, must not enter a residential aged care facility.

  4. The operator of a residential aged care facility must take reasonable steps to ensure the following, in accordance with relevant guidance provided by Queensland Health:

    1. employees, contractors who have contact with residents, volunteers and students undertake face to face infection control and personal protective equipment training; and

    2. ensure an adequate supply of personal protective equipment is available to respond to a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the residential aged care facility.

Residents

  1. The operator of a residential aged care facility must take reasonable steps to develop and document appropriate processes to ensure residents and their unique needs can be immediately identified in a COVID-19 event.

    Example: This may include requirements for residents to wear identification if appropriate, and to ensure residents’ personal preferences and needs are documented appropriately, for example by keeping a hard copy of each resident’s relevant records securely stored in the facility, including current medications list, personal care requirements and preferences, and their advance care planning documents and directions.

End of life visitors (international arrivals, COVID-19 hotspots and interstate exposure venues)

  1. Despite paragraphs 10(b) and 10(c) a person may enter, or remain on, the premises of a residential aged care facility, with the permission of the operator of the facility, if:

    1. the person's presence at the premises is for the purpose of an end of life visit for a resident of the residential aged care facility; and

    2. the person has been granted an exemption by the Chief Health Officer, Deputy Chief Health Officer or delegate for an end of life visit under a Public Health Direction.

      Note: see paragraph 13 for when a person may also be permitted to make an end of life visit. For clarity, end of life visitors under paragraph 13 do not require an exemption.

  2. A person who enters a facility under an exemption granted under paragraph 25 must comply with all conditions imposed by the Chief Health Officer, Deputy Chief Health Officer or delegate under the exemption.

  3. If a person enters a facility under paragraph 26, the operator of the facility must take reasonable steps to manage the person’s visit in accordance with the conditions imposed by the Chief Health Officer, Deputy Chief Health Officer or delegate under the exemption.

    Example: An operator may need to ensure the resident being visited is in a single room, the visitor wears appropriate personal protective equipment, is escorted to and from the room, and avoids common areas and contact with other residents, visitors and staff.

PART 2 – VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS AND COMPLIANCE FOR RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE FACILITY STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS

  1. This part applies to any person who is a residential aged care worker at a residential aged care facility, including:

    1. direct care workers, including nurses, personal care workers, allied health assistants;

    2. administration staff, including reception staff and management;

    3. ancillary staff, including food preparation staff, cleaners, laundry staff, and maintenance staff;

    4. lifestyle and social care staff, including for music and art therapy;

    5. transport drivers of residents of a residential aged care facility;

    6. a volunteer engaged by a residential aged care facility to undertake duties at a residential aged care facility;

      Note: volunteers who are not engaged by the residential aged care facility, for example community visitors providing companionship to a resident at the request of the resident, are not persons to whom this Part applies.

    7. a medical practitioner and allied health professional, including paramedics and emergency services staff who regularly attends and provides care to residents of a residential aged care facility whether employed or engaged by the resident, residential aged care facility or another person.

  2. A residential aged care worker must not enter, work in, or provide services at a residential aged care facility unless the residential aged care worker is fully vaccinated unless they meet the requirements for an exception in paragraphs 31 to 37.

  3. For an employer that provides staff or services to a residential aged care facility, they must keep a record of the COVID-19 vaccination status of each employee who is a worker in a residential aged care worker and provide an undertaking that employees are fully vaccinated, to the operator of a residential aged care facility for each residential aged care facility employees work in, and, if requested by the responsible person, provide evidence to support the undertaking.

PART 3 – EXCEPTIONS

Medical contraindication

  1. Paragraph 29 does not apply to a residential aged care worker who is unable to be vaccinated due to a recognised medical contraindication where the operator of a residential aged care facility for the residential aged care facility:

    1. assesses the risk to other staff, patients, clients and other persons at the residential aged care facility; and

    2. determines that the unvaccinated residential aged care worker may continue to work in the residential aged care facility where their work cannot be performed outside the residential aged care facility; and

    3. the unvaccinated residential aged care worker complies with the requirements in paragraph 32.

      Example A worker who is unable to be vaccinated due to a recognised medical contraindication, who repairs critical medical equipment onsite in healthcare settings can continue to perform that work if the responsible person for the healthcare settings assesses the risk to others and determines the worker can continue to work there, if they comply with the necessary PPE and testing requirements.

  2. A residential aged care worker to whom paragraph 31 applies must:

    1. comply with the PPE guideline requirements for the residential aged care worker and any COVID safe plans for the residential aged care facility; and

    2. undertake a COVID-19 PCR test before commencing each work shift in a residential aged care facility and provide the COVID-19 PCR test result to the operator of a residential aged care facility for the residential aged care facility as soon as reasonably practicable after the test result is received; or

    3. where the residential aged care worker is a person to whom the Health Employment Directive 12/21 Employee COVID-19 Vaccination requirements (the HED) or the Residential Aged Care Facilities Direction (No.9) or its successor (the direction) applies, comply with the requirements relating to a recognised medical contraindication or any other exceptions to mandatory vaccination requirements in the HED or the direction.

      Example: an admissions clerk who provides evidence of a recognised medical contraindication is able to continue working in an alternative administrative role, using PPE consistent with the setting’s policies and the PPE guideline and must undertake a daily COVID-19 PCR test and provide a negative COVID-19 test result when it is received

  3. A residential aged care worker to whom paragraph 31 applies must provide evidence of a recognised medical contraindication to their employer or the operator of a residential aged care facility, where they are the employer.

  4. Evidence of a recognised medical contraindication provided by a residential aged care worker to an employer or operator of a residential aged care facility under the predecessor to this public health direction is deemed to be evidence provided for the purposes of paragraph 33 and additional evidence is not required for a current medical contraindication.

Participation in a COVID-19 Vaccine Trial

  1. Paragraph 29 does not apply to a residential aged care worker where:

    1. the residential aged care worker is a participant in a COVID-19 vaccine trial; and

    2. the operator of a residential aged care facility for the residential aged care facility assesses the risk to other staff, patients, clients and other persons in the residential aged care facility and determines that the residential aged care worker may continue to work in the residential aged care facility.

  2. A residential aged care worker to whom paragraph 35 applies must notify their employer and operator of a residential aged care facility for the residential aged care facility as soon as reasonably practicable upon completion of their participation in a COVID-19 vaccine trial.

  3. The exception outlined in paragraph 35 ceases to apply upon the earlier of:

    1. the trial COVID-19 vaccine being recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration; or

    2. the trial COVID-19 vaccine being approved for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration; or

    3. the trial COVID-19 vaccine being rejected for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Critical Support Needs

  1. The operator of a residential aged care facility may permit a residential aged care worker in a residential aged care facility who has not complied with the COVID-19 vaccination requirements to enter, work and remain at the residential aged care facility for a maximum consecutive period of three months to provide support to a patient, client or person with a disability, if:

    1. the operator of a residential aged care facility has assessed the risk to other persons in the residential aged care facility; and

    2. the operator of a residential aged care facility reasonably believes it is necessary to provide health, wellbeing, legal or advocacy support to the person; and

    3. personal protective equipment is used by the residential aged care worker as required by the operator of a residential aged care facility; and

    4. where the residential aged care worker enters residential aged care facility for a single visit, a COVID-19 PCR test is undertaken by the unvaccinated worker within 24 hours prior to entry; and

    5. where the residential aged care worker enters the residential aged care facility on multiple consecutive days, a COVID-19 PCR test is undertaken by the unvaccinated worker before entering the residential aged care facility each day, and the test results provided to the operator of a residential aged care facility for the residential aged care facility as soon as reasonably practicable when received.

Critical Workforce Shortage

  1. The operator of a residential aged care facility for a residential aged care facility may permit a residential aged care worker who has not complied with the COVID-19 vaccination requirements to enter, work in, or provide services in the residential aged care facility, for a maximum period of three months from 17 December 2021 or until the critical workforce issue can be resolved, whichever is shorter, if:

    1. the operator of a residential aged care facility has assessed the risk to other staff, patients and other persons accessing the healthcare setting; and

    2. the operator of a residential aged care facility reasonably believes it is necessary to respond to a critical workforce shortage; and

    3. personal protective equipment is used by the residential aged care worker as in compliance with the PPE guideline and any COVID safe plans for the healthcare setting; and

    4. the unvaccinated worker undertakes a COVID-19 PCR test before commencing each work shift in a residential aged care facility, and provides the COVID-19 PCR test result to the operator of a residential aged care facility for the residential aged care facility as soon as reasonably practicable after the test result is received.

      Note: the use of PPE and daily PCR surveillance testing for COVID-19 is required for a limited period of no more than three months when an unvaccinated worker in healthcare may enter, work, or provide services in a healthcare setting to respond to a critical workforce shortage while fully vaccinated workers are recruited or alternative arrangements are made to respond to the critical workforce shortage.

  2. Where a critical workforce shortage extends beyond three months only the Chief Health Officer or his delegate may approve a residential aged care worker who has not complied with the COVID-19 vaccination requirements to continue to enter, work in or provide services in the residential aged care facility.

Emergency entry

  1. An unvaccinated worker may enter a residential aged care facility for any of the following purposes, and paragraph 10 and 11 do not apply:

    1. to respond to an emergency or provide an emergency service; or

    2. to undertake a legislated regulatory or compliance function; or

    3. as part of official union duties in response to an emergent need.

      Examples: a contractor, who is not vaccinated, enters a school during school hours to fix flooding in the toilet block.

      There is a salmonella outbreak at a high-risk setting and an environmental health officer may investigate the setting, regardless of whether the person meets the COVID-19 vaccination requirements or is unvaccinated.

  2. An unvaccinated person must advise the operator of a residential aged care facility of the entry under paragraph 41 and of their vaccination status as soon as is reasonably practicable. Use of the Check In Qld app will satisfy the requirements of this paragraph.

Entry to a residential aged care facility for law enforcement

  1. Where the operator of a residential aged care facility is satisfied that the person is entering for the purposes of law enforcement and disclosure of their compliance with the COVID-19 vaccination requirements is inconsistent with the law enforcement function, the operator of a residential aged care facility may permit the person to enter and remain in the residential aged care facility without showing evidence of COVID-19 vaccination, medical contraindication, or of being a COVID-19 vaccine trial participant and the operator of a residential aged care facility is not required to record details in relation to the visitor.

Co-locations within residential aged care facility

  1. If part of a residential aged care facility is not co-located and meets the requirements in paragraph 45, a person engaged or employed to undertake work in that part of the residential aged care facility is not subject to COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

  2. For paragraph 44 to apply, the part of a residential aged care facility must:

    1. be unoccupied by residential aged care workers, residents and visitors of the residential aged care facility; and

    2. be physically separate from the occupied part of the residential aged care facility or be secured and delineated so that residential aged care workers, residents, and visitors of the residential aged care facility cannot enter; and

    3. not have shared points of access with the residential aged care workers, residents and visitors of the residential aged care facility; and

    4. not be accessed by a person who uses the facilities (for example, toilets or lunchroom) in the residential aged care facility.

      Examples: Construction workers on a free standing building not connected to an occupied part of the facility (new build or refurbishment) or installation of a modular building at a facility.

  3. In addition to paragraph 44, if a person engaged or employed to undertake work in that part of the residential aged care facility enters the occupied residential aged care facility, the person must comply with the COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

Entry in a private capacity

  1. A residential aged care worker who does not comply with the COVID-19 vaccination requirements may enter a residential aged care facility as a personal visitor of a resident or in any other non-work capacity, and must comply with entry requirements for visitors and other persons.

Requirements for operators

  1. An operator must take all reasonable steps to ensure that a residential aged care worker or student does not enter, work in, or provide services in the residential aged care facility if the person is prohibited from doing so under this Direction.

  2. An operator must take all reasonable steps to facilitate access to COVID-19 vaccination for residential aged care workers engaged by the residential aged care facility, including access to off-site vaccination.

  3. An operator of a Queensland Health residential aged care facility must ensure a health service employee who is unable to be vaccinated due to a medical contraindication or because they are a COVID-19 vaccine trial participant is temporarily deployed to another work unit until this Direction is revoked.

  4. Where paragraph 50 applies and deployment is not reasonably practicable the health service employee must discuss the situation with their line manager, and the operator or their nominated representative must consult with the local Human Resources Team for other options.

Reporting requirements

  1. An operator or their nominated representative must keep a record, either locally or centrally, of COVID-19 vaccination reported to it by a person to whom paragraph 29 applies. The information is collected and used for ensuring compliance with the Direction and to comply with Commonwealth reporting obligations related to aged care.

  2. The information must be stored in a secure database that is accessible to authorised persons only and maintained in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009 and the Public Records Act 2002.

Other

  1. Nothing in this part prevents a person who is not vaccinated against COVID-19 from entering any part of a residential aged care facility:

    1. for the purposes of performing a law enforcement function that cannot reasonably be performed other than by entering the residential aged care facility; or

    2. in pursuance of a statutory duty arising under a law of the Commonwealth that cannot reasonably be performed other than by entering the residential aged care facility; or

    3. performing any function or duty or exercising any right or power under a Work Health and Safety entry permit issued by the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld) or an entry permit issued by the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission under the Industrial Relations Act 2016 (Qld); or

    4. performing any function or duty or exercising any right or power under a Fair Work entry permit issued by the Fair Work Commission under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) or a Work Health and Safety entry permit issued by the Fair Work Commission under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth).

PART 4 – MANAGING ACCESS TO NON-RESTRICTED RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE FACILITIES

  1. The purpose of this Part is to manage contact between residents and non-residents of a non-restricted residential aged care facility.

Visitors

  1. A person may enter a non-restricted residential aged care facility under this Part unless the person is prohibited from entering the residential aged care facility under paragraph 10.

    Examples – A relative, friend, medical practitioner, hairdresser or attorney

  2. There is no limit under this Public Health Direction on the number of visitors at a non-restricted residential aged care facility.

    Note – See Part 4 for requirements for visitors to a restricted residential aged care facility.

  3. If a person is attending a non-restricted residential aged care facility to visit a resident, they must, to the extent reasonably practicable:

    1. practise physical distancing; and

    2. limit their contact with other persons at the facility.

Residents

  1. The operator of a non-restricted residential aged care facility may permit a resident to leave the facility for any purpose.

    Note – Residents who form part of a familial group (for example, couples, siblings) or close friends should be permitted to leave the facility together. A resident who leaves a residential aged care facility must comply with other public health directions. For example, the Movement and Gathering Direction (No. 12) and its successors place restrictions on the number of people who may gather outdoors or at residences.

PART 5 – REQUIREMENTS FOR RESTRICTED RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE FACILITIES

  1. The purpose of this Part is to provide requirements for restricted residential aged care facilities.

Person Permitted to Enter A Restricted Residential Aged Care Facility

  1. A person must not enter, or remain on, the premises of a restricted residential aged care facility in the State of Queensland unless:

    1. the person is an employee or contractor of the restricted residential aged care facility; or

    2. the person’s presence at the premises is for the purposes of providing goods or services that are necessary for the effective operation of the restricted residential aged care facility, whether the goods are provided for consideration or on a voluntary basis; or

    3. the person's presence at the premises is for the purposes of providing health, medical, personal care (such as hairdressing), pathology or pharmaceutical services to a resident of the restricted residential aged care facility, whether the goods or services are provided for consideration or on a voluntary basis;

    4. the person's presence at the premises is for the purposes of end of life visit for a resident of the restricted residential aged care facility; or

      Note – Paragraphs 25 to 26 require persons coming from overseas or COVID-19 hotspots to obtain an exemption before attending a residential aged care facility for an end of life visit.

    5. the person's presence at the premises is required for the purposes of emergency management, law enforcement or the exercise of a power or function of a government agency or entity under a law; or

    6. the person's presence at the premises is in the person's capacity as a prospective resident of the restricted residential aged care facility or as a support person of a prospective resident of the restricted residential aged care facility; or

    7. the operator of a residential aged care facility has granted permission for the person to enter a restricted residential aged care facility for the purposes of maintaining continuity of care for a resident that cannot be delivered by electronic or non-contact means; or

      Example: A resident may require support from their primary care giver to eat their meals.

    8. the person is a fully vaccinated legal practitioner who is required to undertake essential legal work that must be completed face to face.

  2. A person may not enter to visit a resident in a restricted residential aged care facility other than in accordance with paragraph 61(d) above.

    Note – personal visits are not permitted in a restricted residential aged care facility.

  3. Despite paragraph 62 a person must not enter, or remain on, the premises of a restricted residential aged care facility unless in accordance with Part 1 of this Direction.

Residents

  1. The operator of a restricted residential aged care facility must not permit a resident, excluding an end of life resident, to leave the facility except:

    1. to receive or access health care; or

    2. to attend a funeral; or

    3. in the case of emergency or on any other compassionate grounds.

Wearing of Face Masks

  1. Any person (other than a resident) must not enter, or remain on, the premises of a restricted residential aged care facility without wearing a single use surgical face mask.

    Note – a person who does not, or is unable to wear a face mask, must not enter a restricted residential aged care facility.

  2. Despite paragraph 65, a person may remove their single use surgical face mask if wearing one is not safe in all the circumstances.

    Example – a person may temporarily remove their face mask if wearing one will cause severe distress to a resident.

  3. A person who removes their single use surgical face mask under paragraph 66 must resume wearing the single use surgical face mask as soon as practicable after the circumstance ends.

    Example – a person must resume wearing a face mask as soon as they leave the distressed resident’s room.

  4. A person may be required to wear additional personal protective equipment in certain circumstances in accordance with Queensland Health’s Residential Aged Care Facility and Disability Accommodation PPE Guidance.

Workforce Management and Personal Protective Equipment

  1. A person providing direct care to a resident, including providing health, medical, personal care, pathology or pharmaceutical services to residents in a restricted residential aged care facility, must wear appropriate personal protective equipment in accordance with Queensland Health’s Residential Aged Care Facility and Disability Accommodation PPE Guidance.

  2. The operator of a restricted residential aged care facility must take all reasonable steps to ensure the appropriate use of personal protective equipment, in paragraphs 68 and 69 by persons at a residential aged care facility, in accordance with Queensland Health’s Residential Aged Care Facility and Disability Accommodation PPE Guidance.

PART 6 – ELECTRONIC COLLECTION OF CONTACT INFORMATION

  1. The operator of a residential aged care facility must make all reasonable efforts to electronically collect contact information about all visitors, including volunteers and contractors, to a residential aged care facility at the time of entry, by either:

    1. requesting visitors use the Check In Qld app; or

    2. registering visitors through the Business Profile mode of the Check In Qld app.

      Example – a person may be unable to use the Check in Qld app due to age, disability, language barriers or does not possess the technology or own a mobile phone. The residential aged care facility must register the visitor through the Business Profile mode. Alternatively, another person may provide contact information on their behalf under paragraph 64.

      Note – contact information must be collected for visitors to non-restricted residential aged care facilities and visitors permitted to visit restricted residential aged care facilities under paragraph 50 of the Direction.

  2. Despite paragraph 71, an operator of a residential aged care facility is not required to request a person’s contact information under paragraph 71 if:

    1. the person is entering a residential aged care facility in an emergency or entering to provide emergency services; or

    2. the person is or appears to be younger than 16 years old; or

    3. it is not reasonable to request contact information based on compassionate grounds or a risk to a person’s safety.

  3. An operator of a residential aged care facility must make all reasonable efforts to clearly display the Check In Qld app QR code at each entry to the residential aged care facility that is used by visitors, volunteers or contractors.

  4. A person who is permitted to enter a residential aged care facility under this Direction as a visitor, including volunteers and contractors, must at the time of entry provide the person’s contact information and to the operator of a residential aged care facility by:

    1. using the Check In Qld App; or

    2. providing their contact details to the operator of the business to be registered using the Business Profile mode of the Check In Qld app; or

    3. if another method of collection is being used under paragraph 77 using that method.

  5. If a person is unable to provide contact information because of age, disability or an inability to speak or comprehend the language used by the Check In Qld App or the other method of collection, another person may provide contact information on the person’s behalf.

  6. Despite paragraph 74, a person who is permitted to enter a residential aged care facility under this Direction as a visitor, including volunteers and contractors, is not required to provide the person’s contact information to the operator of a residential aged care facility if:

    1. the person is entering a residential aged care facility in an emergency or entering to provide emergency services; or

    2. the person is under the age of 16 years old; or

    3. it is not reasonable for a person to provide contact information based on compassionate grounds or a risk to a person’s safety.

      Example – a support person arriving at the facility to respond to an emergency situation relating to a resident is not required to provide their contact information on entry to the facility.

Collection of contact information using another method due to temporary circumstances

  1. If an operator of a residential aged care facility cannot electronically collect contact information for visitors to the facility at the time of entry because it is not possible to use the Check In Qld app due to unexpected circumstances or because the facility is located in a place that does not have mobile internet data connection, the person must collect and keep contact information using another method.

    Example – another electronic method such as a spreadsheet or another method such as a paper-based form

    Note - unexpected circumstances may include temporary issues with failure of an internet service or breakdown in the Check In Qld app.

  2. If contact information is collected using ‘another method’ under paragraph 77, the operator of a residential aged care facility must:

    1. use best endeavours to transfer any non-electronic information to an electronic system within 24 hours of collecting the information; and

      Example - an electronic method such as a spreadsheet

    2. comply with the requirements for collection and storage; and

    3. if requested, provide the information collected under paragraph 77 and the electronic information under paragraph 78(a) to a public health officer within a stated time.

Part 6A COMPLIANCE WITH VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS

Obligations for visitors entering into a residential aged care facility

  1. From 17 December 2021, persons aged 16 years or older who enter or remain in a residential aged care facility must, prior to entry, provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or evidence of recognised medical contraindication or of being a COVID-19 vaccine trial participant.

  2. If a visitor is unable to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or evidence of a recognised medical contraindication or of being a COVID-19 vaccine trial participant because of age, disability or an inability to speak or comprehend the language or technology used when requesting the proof or evidence, another person may provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or medical contraindication or evidence of being a COVID-19 vaccine trial participant on the person’s behalf.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or medical contraindication

  1. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or evidence of medical contraindication or of being a COVID-19 vaccine trial participant (printed or electronic) includes:

    1. written confirmation of COVID-19 vaccination provided to the person as part of the vaccination process, such as a record of vaccine card; or

    2. vaccination information displayed on the Check in Qld app; or

    3. a COVID-19 digital certificate or printed vaccination certificate from the Australian Immunisation Register; or

    4. an online or printed immunisation history statement for COVID-19 vaccination, including confirmation of a medical contraindication; or

      Note: A person’s immunisation history statement can be obtained from the Australian Government using myGov, the Medicare mobile app or by calling the Australian Immunisation Register and requesting a statement to be posted.

      Note: If a person is unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccination because of a recognised medical contraindication, they must provide evidence of a medical contraindication. Upon provision of evidence of a recognised medical contraindication or of being a COVID-19 vaccine trial participant, a person will be treated as if they are fully vaccinated.

    5. evidence of being a COVID-19 vaccine trial participant;

    6. an International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate:

      1. in a printed or electronic form from the Department of Home Affairs that confirms completion of an Australia Travel Declaration and vaccination against COVID-19 overseas; or

      2. through Medicare online account through myGov or the Express Plus Medicare mobile app.

      3. an official record of vaccination provided to the person when vaccinated against COVID-19 overseas.

Requirements for operators in relation to visitors

  1. An operator of a residential aged care facility, must, make all reasonable efforts to confirm that the visitor entering and remaining on their premises is fully vaccinated by requesting and sighting proof of COVID-19 vaccination or evidence of recognised medical contraindication or of being a COVID-19 vaccine trial participant (printed or electronic).

  2. An operator of a residential aged care facility is not required to request a visitor’s proof of COVID-19 vaccination or evidence of recognised medical contraindication or of being a COVID-19 vaccine trial participant (printed or electronic)under paragraph 82 if:

    1. the visitor is or appears to be younger than 16 years old; or

    2. Note: Whilst a person who is 12 years or older is eligible to be fully vaccinated, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is only required for a visitor who is 16 years or older. A visitor who is under 16 years of age is eligible to attend all essential and non-essential activities.

    3. the person is exercising law enforcement, intelligence, or national security functions on behalf of a government agency; or

    4. the person enters in an emergency or is entering to provide emergency services; or

    5. it is not reasonable to collect proof of COVID-19 vaccination due to a risk to the safety of staff and other visitors.

PART 7 – MANAGING STUDENT ACCESS TO RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE FACILITIES

  1. From 11 November 2021, a student must not enter, or remain on, the premises of a residential aged care facility for the purpose of a placement in connection with an enrolled course of study, unless they are fully vaccinated or have evidence of recognised medical contraindication or of being a COVID-19 vaccine trial participant.

  2. A vaccinated student mentioned in this Part or in paragraph 13 must provide evidence of having received the prescribed number of doses of their COVID-19 vaccination or have evidence of recognised medical contraindication or of being a COVID-19 vaccine trial participant if requested by the operator of a residential aged care facility, or their nominated representative.

    Note: A vaccinated student can provide evidence of vaccination in their immunisation history statement from the Australian Immunisation Register. A vaccinated student can obtain their immunisation history statement from the Australian Government using myGov, the Medicare mobile app or by calling the Australian Immunisation Register and requesting a statement to be posted. Information is available at: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare/australian-immunisation-register/how-get-immunisation-history-statement.

PART 8 – OTHER MATTERS

  1. The Queensland Chief Health Officer, Deputy Chief Health Officer or delegate may grant an exemption, with or without conditions:

    1. to allow a resident to leave the restricted residential aged care facility on compassionate grounds; or

    2. to facilitate an end of life visit; or

    3. to allow a person or class of persons to enter a restricted residential aged care facility to provide necessary goods or service to a resident that cannot be provided by the facility.

  2. An emergency officer (public health) can require the operator of a residential aged care facility to comply with additional directions if the emergency officer believes the direction is reasonably necessary to assist in containing, or to respond to, the spread of COVID-19 within the community.

  3. A person is taken not to have been in a COVID-19 hotspot under this Direction if the person complies with the transit exceptions in paragraph 6 of the Border Restrictions Direction (No. 55) or its successor.

    Note: under the Border Restrictions Direction a person is taken not to have been in a COVID-19 hotspot if they

    1. arrived in a COVID-19 hotspot by air for the sole purpose of transiting through an approved airport in the COVID-19 hotspot and did not leave the confines of the airport; or

    2. transited through a COVID-19 hotspot by road using private transport for a distance of no more than two hours of safe driving distance from their point of entry to a COVID-19 hotspot, without stopping; or

    3. arrived in a COVID-19 hotspot by road and used private transport to travel directly without stopping, to an airport in a COVID-19 hotspot within two hours of safe driving distance from their point of entry into the COVID-19 hotspot, to depart the COVID-19 hotspot by air.

  4. Definitions used in this Direction are in Schedule 1.

PART 9 — PENALTIES

A person to whom the direction applies commits an offence if the person fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with the direction.

Section 362D of the Public Health Act 2005 provides:

Failure to comply with public health directions

A person to whom a public health direction applies must comply with the direction unless the person has a reasonable excuse.
Maximum penalty—100 penalty units or 6 months imprisonment.

Dr Peter Aitken
Chief Health Officer

11 December 2021

Published on the Queensland Health website at 2:50 pm

SCHEDULE 1 – DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of these directions:

Australia means the Commonwealth of Australia and includes the external territories of Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Coral Sea Islands and Heard and McDonald Islands but excludes the Australian Antarctic Territory.

Authorised person is a person approved or permitted, either locally within a Queensland Health residential aged care facility or centrally within the Department of Health, to access information provided under this Direction in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009 and the Public Records Act 2002 and related instruments of delegation.

Border zone has the same meaning as in the Border Restrictions Direction (No. 55) or its successors (insert link to border zone).

Business Profile mode means the ability for businesses to electronically register by entering customer contact details via ‘Check In Qld Business Profile mode’ listed in the profile section of the app.

Check In Qld app means the app developed by the Queensland Government for contact tracing purposes which, when used by a person, provides the Queensland Government with the person’s contact information and details of the person’s attendance at a residential aged care facility.

Note – Each person should check in individually using the Check In Qld app or have a person in their group or the facility or service check in on their behalf.

Close contact has the same meaning as in the Management of Close Contacts Direction (No. 3) or its successors.

Contact information means the information collected by the Check in Qld app or, if another collection method is permitted under this Direction, the name, phone number, email address, and the date and time of attendance of visitors and staff.

Close contact has the same meaning as in the Management of Close Contacts Direction (No. 3) or its successors.

Co-located means using shared facilities and staff, residents and visitors of the residential aged care facility move freely between the co-located functions or settings.

Example: part of a facility’s grounds are fenced off while construction of a carpark is undertaken. While the construction work progresses, staff, residents and visitors are excluded from the construction site and the construction company has control of the site. The construction site is not co-located with the facility and is not subject to the COVID-19 vaccination requirements that apply to staff and visitors to the facility.

COVID-19 hotspot means a particular area of Australia decided by the Chief Health Officer and published on the Queensland Government website [include link].

COVID-19 PCR test means for a person who is:

  1. 12 months of age or over, an oropharyngeal and deep nasal swab of a person who is 12 months of age or over, for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test approved for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration to detect whether a person has the COVID-19 virus.

  2. under 12 months of age, a saliva swab for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test approved for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration to detect whether a person has the COVID-19 virus.

    Note: A COVID-19 PCR test does not include a self-test.

COVID-19 vaccine means a COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration or endorsed by WHO-COVAX and the vaccine was obtained overseas.

COVID-19 vaccination means a COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration or endorsed by WHO-COVAX and the vaccine was obtained overseas.

COVID-19 vaccine trial means a medical trial for a COVID-19 vaccine under either the Clinical Trial Notification or Clinical Trial Approval schemes regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

COVID-19 vaccine trial participant means a person who:

  1. is an active participant in a COVID-19 vaccine trial; and

  2. provides a medical certificate or letter from a medical practitioner, registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (Queensland) associated with the COVID-19 vaccine trial confirming that:

    1. the person is participating in a Phase 3 or 4 COVID-19 vaccine trial; and

    2. the person  has received at least one active dose of the COVID-19 vaccine being trialled.

Critical workforce shortage means a sustained workforce shortage in a residential aged care facility and the geographical region in which the residential aged care facility is located that the operator of a residential aged care facility for the residential aged care facility considers may directly and significantly adversely impact patient or client care. In determining whether a critical workforce shortage exists, the operator of a residential aged care facility for the residential aged care facility must consider:

  1. whether the remaining skill mix and rostering within the residential aged care facility is unable to compensate for the shortage; and

  2. whether the critical workforce shortage is not just within the facility but across the geographical area in which the residential aged care facility is located.

    Example: A critical workforce shortage may be a shortage of more than 10 per cent of staff for a sustained period of 7 days or more, however this will depend on the size of the facility and baseline staffing levels (including consideration of skills mix and rostering).

Diagnosed person has the same meaning as in the Management of Close Contacts Direction (No. 3) or its successor.

Eligible health professionals means any of the following:

  • fellows of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (as defined by the Health Insurance Act 1973 Cth); or

  • fellows of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (as defined by the Health Insurance Act 1973 Cth); or

  • on Medicare’s Vocation Register of General Practitioners (as defined by the Health Insurance Act 1973 Cth); or

  • practice registrar on an approved 3GA training placement; or

  • paediatrician; or

  • public health physician; or

  • infectious diseases physician; or

  • clinical immunologist.

Emergency officer (public health) means an emergency officer appointed under the Public Health Act 2005.
Note: Emergency officers appointed under the Public Health Act 2005 include public health officers and police.

Emergency services means staff who respond to and deal with emergencies when they occur, such as ambulance service, police and the fire brigade.

Employer means a person, or other legal entity that employs or otherwise engages a worker.

End of life visit means a visit by a person for the purposes of end-of-life support for a resident.

Evidence of a recognised medical contraindication means the person has a current:

  1. COVID-19 vaccine medical exemption recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register, or

  2. Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) immunisation medical exemptions form completed and signed by an eligible health professional for the COVID-19 vaccine.

    Notes: some medical contraindications are temporary and therefore the record or completed form may only be valid for a period of time.

    A current completed and signed AIR immunisation medical exemption form is valid in printed or digital form.

Exposure date for an impacted area means the date specified in paragraph 14 of the Restrictions for Impacted Areas (No. 15) (South East Queensland eased restrictions Stage 3) Direction or its successors.

Fully vaccinated means a person who is 16 years of age or older has received the prescribed number of doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Health service employee means an employee engaged under the Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 in Hospital and Health Services and the Department of Health.

Note: a health service employee who works in a multi-purpose health facility must be vaccinated if they will enter, work in, or perform services in the residential aged care portion of the facility.

Identified start date for a Queensland COVID-19 restricted area can be found in the Queensland COVID-19 Restricted Areas Direction (No. 26) or its successors

Immunisation history statement means a statement that displays all the immunisations a person has had that are on the Australian Immunisation Register.

Note: further information can be found on https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare/australian-immunisation-register

International arrival means a person who arrives in Queensland on a flight that is not a quarantine-free flight or who, in the 14 days immediately before their arrival to Queensland-

  1. has been in a place outside Australia, other than a safe travel zone country; or

  2. arrived in Australia by sea; or

  3. arrived in Australia by air on a flight that is not a quarantine-free flight, regardless of whether the flight originated from a safe travel zone country; or

  4. has been in a place declared a safe travel zone country hotspot.

International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate means a secure record of vaccinations for people travelling internationally that meets agreed international travel standards.

Note: further information can be found on:

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/subjects/getting-help-during-coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-vaccinations/what-types-proof-there-are/international-covid-19-vaccination-certificate-proof

Interstate area of concern (vulnerable facilities) means a particular area of Australia decided by the Chief Health Officer and published on the Queensland Government website [include link] for the purpose of restricting visitors to vulnerable facilities including residential aged care, shared disability accommodation services and hospitals.

Interstate exposure venue has the same meaning as in the Interstate Exposure Venues Direction (No. 3) or its successors.

Legal practitioner means an Australian lawyer who holds a current local practising certificate or a current interstate practising certificate.

Medical contraindication means a person has a current:

  1. COVID-19 vaccine medical exemption recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register or

  2. Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) immunisation medical exemptions form completed and signed by an eligible health professional for the COVID-19 vaccine.

    Notes: some medical contraindications are temporary and therefore the record or completed form may only be valid for a period of time.

    A current completed and signed AIR immunisation medical exemption form is valid in printed or digital form.

Nominated representative of an operator is the person identified by the operator as their delegate for the purposes of this Direction. The nominated representative is to be readily identifiable and communicated to all health service employees within a Queensland Health residential aged care facility.

Non-restricted residential aged care facility means any residential area care facility in the State of Queensland, other than a restricted residential aged care facility.

Operator of a residential aged care facility means a person who owns, controls or operates a residential aged care facility, including a restricted residential aged care facility, and includes the Health Service Chief Executive of a Queensland Health residential aged care facility.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) means the relevant personal protective equipment referred to in Queensland Health’s Residential Aged Care Facility and Disability Accommodation PPE Guidance.

Physical distancing includes remaining at least 1.5 metres away from other persons where possible.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination means evidence provided as outlined in Part 6A that verifies a person is fully vaccinated against COVID-19

Note: a person who provides evidence of a recognised medical contraindication or is a COVID-19 vaccine trial participant is treated as if they are fully vaccinated.

Public health officer includes an emergency officer (general), a contact tracing officer or an authorised person under section 377 of the Public Health Act 2005.

Quarantine-free flight means a flight that only carries passengers who have declared that in the 14 days prior to the flight’s departure they have only been in a safe travel zone country and have not been in a safe travel zone country hotspot.

Note: Information about quarantine free flights is available from the Australian Department of Home Affairs: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/new-zealand-safe-travel-zone

Queensland COVID-19 restricted area and restricted area mean a Local Government Area identified in the Queensland COVID-19 Restricted Areas Direction (No. 26) or its successors.

Queensland Health residential aged care facility means the following Queensland Health facilities and for a multi-purpose health service, means the aged care portion in which accommodation, and personal or nursing care or both, are provided to a person in respect of whom a residential care subsidy or a flexible care subsidy is payable under the Aged Care Act 1997 of the Commonwealth, or funding is provided under the Commonwealth Government National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program or Multi-Purpose Services Program:

Hospital and Health ServiceFacility
Cairns and HinterlandBabinda Multi-purpose Health Service
 Mossman Multi-purpose Health Service
Central QueenslandBaralaba Hospital Multi-purpose Health Service
 Blackwater Hospital Multi-purpose Health Service
 Eventide Home Rockhampton
 Mount Morgan Multi-purpose Health Service
 Moura Multi-purpose Health Service
 North Rockhampton Nursing Centre
 Springsure Hospital Multi-purpose Health Service
 Theodore Multi-purpose Health Service
 Woorabinda Multi-purpose Health Service
Central WestAlpha and Jericho Multi-purpose Health Service
 Barcaldine Multi-purpose Health Service
 Winton Multi-purpose Health Service
Darling DownsDr E A F McDonald Nursing Home
 Forest View Residential Care Facility
 Inglewood Multi-purpose Health Service
 Karingal Nursing Home
 Millmerran Multi-purpose Health Service
 Milton House
 Mt Lofty Nursing Home
 Texas Multi-purpose Health Service
 The Oaks Residential Aged Care Facility
MackayClermont Multi-purpose Health Service
 Collinsville Hospital
Metro NorthGannet House
 Cooinda House
Metro SouthRedland Residential Care Facility
North WestCloncurry Hospital
 McKinlay Shire Multi-purpose Health Service
South WestAugathella Multi-purpose Health Service
 Cunnamulla Multi-purpose Health Service
 Dirranbandi Multi-purpose Health Service
 Injune Multi-purpose Service
 Mitchell Multi-purpose Health Service
 Mungindi Multi-purpose Health Service
 Quilpie Multi-purpose Health Service
 Surat Multi-purpose Service
 Waroona Multipurpose Centre
 Westhaven Nursing Home
Sunshine CoastGlenbrook
Torres and CapeCooktown Multi-purpose Health Service
 Weipa Hospital Multi-purpose Health Service
TownsvilleEventide Charters Towers
 Parklands Residential Aged Care Facility
 Hughenden Multi-purpose Health Service
 Richmond Multi-purpose Health Service
Wide BayBiggenden Hospital Multi-purpose Health Service
 Childers Multi-purpose Health Service
 Eidsvold Hospital Multi-purpose Health Service
 Mundubbera Multi-purpose Health Service

Residential Aged Care Facility and Disability Accommodation PPE Guidance means the Queensland Health document Pandemic Response Guidance: Personal protective equipment in Residential Aged Care and Disability accommodation services [include link], or its successor.

Residential aged care facility means a facility, including a Queensland Health residential aged care facility, at which accommodation, and personal care or nursing care or both, are provided to a person in respect of whom a residential care subsidy or a flexible care subsidy is payable under the Aged Care Act 1997 of the Commonwealth, or funding is provided under the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program.

Residential aged care worker means any person:

  1. employed or engaged by or on behalf of a residential aged care facility (whether as an employee, contractor or agency staff) to work in, perform duties or provide services for residents at a residential aged care facility on a full time, part time or casual basis; and

  2. includes a health service employee and a person engaged by Queensland Health (whether as an employee, contractor or agency staff) to work in, perform duties or provide services at a Queensland Health residential aged care facility and/or at a residential aged care facility; and

  3. for the purposes of Part 2, includes a medical practitioner and allied health professional, including paramedics and emergency services staff. who regularly attends and provides care to residents of a residential aged care facility whether employed or engaged by the resident, residential aged care facility or another person;

    Example: a nurse contracted to fill a staffing shortage and provide care for residents in a nursing home may be a contractor but is also a residential aged care worker.

Resident of a residential aged care facility means a person who ordinarily resides at the facility.

Restricted residential aged care facility means a residential aged care facility located in a restricted area.

Safe travel zone country has the same meaning as in the Quarantine for International Arrivals Direction (No. 12) or its successors.

Safe travel zone country hotspot has the same meaning as in the Quarantine for International Arrivals Direction (No. 12) or its successors.

Secondary contact means :

  1. a person who ordinarily resides in the same residence as a close contact and has resided in the residence since the time when the close contact event occurred; and

  2. a category of person approved by the Chief Health Officer and specified on the Queensland Health Contact tracing (exposure sites) — coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage.

Student means a student who:

  1. in connection with an enrolled course of study, is undertaking a placement under the supervision of an employee or contractor at the residential aged care facility; or

  2. is entering the facility as part of a placement in connection with an enrolled course of study.

    Example for paragraph (b): a paramedical student.

Support person means a family member, friend or carer that is visiting the residential aged care facility on behalf of, or to support, a prospective resident of the facility.

Surveillance testing obligation means a requirement under a Public Health Direction or Protocol approved by the Chief Health Officer for a person to be routinely tested for COVID-19, who does not have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and is not required to self-isolate while awaiting a test result unless there is another lawful reason for them to isolate.

Symptoms consistent with COVID-19 means fever or history of fever, symptoms of acute respiratory infection (cough, shortness of breath, sore throat), loss of smell, loss of taste, runny nose, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting or fatigue.

Vaccinated Student means a student who has received the prescribed number of doses of a COVID-19 vaccine approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for use in Australia or endorsed by WHO-COVAX and the vaccination was obtained overseas.

Note: Information about the World Health Organization COVAX program and WHO emergency use listing is available here: WHO COVID-19 vaccines

Last updated: 15 January 2022