Opinion: Easing isolation rules for healthcare workers can be done safely
the NSW government is considering easing isolation restrictions for healthcare workers identified as close contacts.
Over many waves of infection in Victoria, guidelines for healthcare workers have changed. We worked the second wave unvaccinated, in surgical masks alone. We saw outbreaks in hospital tea rooms and patients contracted COVID-19 from healthcare workers looking after them. Staff furlough stretched our services, but at least we were never one of those jurisdictions where healthcare workers had to work while actively sick.
In Victoria, with all healthcare workers vaccinated, increasingly with three doses, N95 masks freely available and normalised, and Rapid Antigen Tests part of the arsenal, our guidelines around furlough changed several months ago. Published in October in response to the widespread closure of GP clinics and healthcare worker furlough stretching clinical services, these guidelines have allowed healthcare workers to return to work earlier than previously allowed.
The hospital IPAC nurse called back with a plan, based on these updated Victorian Department of Health guidelines. I could attend work but in a fit-tested mask and eye protection. I was obliged to wear this at all times. To eat or drink, I had to isolate myself, preferably outside. I was given a testing protocol – supervised rapid antigen tests in the hospital on certain days, and then a clearance PCR test at day six.
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