AVA COVID-19 update - week ending 15th of January 2022

Firstly, thank you for participating in the survey, we currently have 646 responses and will be closing the survey on Monday. You can still participate in the survey here.

We have extracted preliminary data to provide updates to state governments around what you are experiencing and the need to ensure all veterinary teams are able to have flexibility around the quarantine requirements of close contacts to allow them to manage their workplaces safely whilst minimizing impact to animal welfare. 

We will report on the results of the survey in the next update. 

We have been communicating the following to government 

• As veterinary services have been recognised as essential, and veterinarians  are highly trained  in infection control, they are able to manage infection risk, it is very important that the quarantine requirements for close contacts are similar to those in other essential industries.  
• The importance of testing prioritisation. 

Updates from the national cabinet meeting 13th January 2022

• There is continued  easing of restrictions of  close contacts  to certain industries. Certain classes of people can continue to work after being deemed close contacts subject to negative RAT results and being asymptomatic. Veterinary services are included in the list of essential services under health, welfare, care and support workers. We are waiting for this to be reflected  in state based public health orders.   Also pertinent to the veterinary profession is inclusion of all in the  transport and logistic sector, which is good news for veterinary supplies. 
• Test prioritisation is for health and aged care workers, symptomatic and close contacts and vunerable communities at this time. 

The landscape continues to change rapidly and the state based websites provide the most accurate up to date information on what you are required to do and how to manage COVID in your practice. These links take you to how to manage positive cases 

• NSW 
• Victoria 
• Queensland 
• Tasmania 
• Northern Territory 
• ACT 
• South Australia 
• Western Australia 

 The AVA HR service has put together a series of resources to help you with managing workplace requirements. https://www.ava.com.au/news/new-and-updated-covid-19-resources-for-your-workplace/