Coronavirus COVID-19 Update

19th March 2020

With the rapidly changing nature of the COVID-19 outbreak, Alpine Health will be providing ongoing updates and advice on Alpine Health’s response to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our patients, residents, clients, staff, volunteers and community members.

“The health, safety and wellbeing of our patients, residents, clients, staff, volunteers and community members are paramount. As this is a rapidly changing situation, we will communicate as early as possible with regard to any changes to our normal operations.” said Lyndon Seys, CEO at Alpine Health ​

Residential Aged Care

The Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing has applied new restrictions to protect aged care residents.

Do not visit aged care facilities if you have:

• returned from overseas in the last 14 days
• been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days
• have a fever or symptoms of a respiratory infection such as a cough, sore throat or shortness of breath

Aged care facilities must take extra precautions when it comes to visits. These include:

• making sure visits are kept short
• allowing no more than two visitors, including doctors, at a time
• making sure visits occur in a resident’s room, outdoors, or in a specific area they designate - there should be no visiting in communal areas
• ensuring there are no large group visits or gatherings, including social activities or entertainment
• No school groups of any size are allowed to visit residential aged care facilities.
• No children aged under 16 years are permitted to visit residential aged care facilities except in special circumstances.
• From 1 May you must have had your influenza vaccination to visit an aged care facility.

Please use the hand hygiene stations provided at the entry points of our facilities before you enter.

alpine@home and indigo@home

To reduce the spread of infection, we ask that clients let us know if they or someone at home is unwell before our staff arrive. Clients have been provided with information on what to do if someone is unwell. Alpine Health will maintain contact and will provide modified services to clients throughout any illness or isolation period.

Urgent Care

If you are concerned you may have been exposed to or have symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19), it’s important you limit exposure to other people to reduce the risk of transmission.

• If you are ill, have a fever, or an acute respiratory infection AND have travelled internationally in the last 14 days OR had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, you should phone ahead before attending a GP clinic, urgent care or emergency department. They will tell you what to do.  
• Signage has been placed outside Alpine Health hospitals asking you to STOP and return to your car and CALL the number on the sign and ask for the Nurse in Charge. They will tell you what to do.
• If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call 000 and ask for an ambulance and tell the operator your recent travel history.
• If you live closer to Albury Wodonga or Wangaratta then regional offsite Coronavirus assessment centres have been set up. You need to call ahead to find out what to do.
  • Albury Wodonga Health             (02) 6058 4444 
  • Northeast Health Wangaratta    1800 324 942

At home

As the virus is spread by people with symptoms through coughing and sneezing, the best way to protect yourself and your family is to pay attention to good hand and respiratory hygiene.

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing with a tissue, or cough into your elbow, dispose of the tissue into a bin and then wash your hands afterwards.
• Wash your hands regularly, after using the toilet and before eating.
• Get the flu shot (available April)
• Isolate yourself at home if you feel sick. Seek medical attention if needed and then remain at home and do not attend work, school or any public places until symptoms have completely resolved. If you take medication ensure you have adequate supplies.

For the latest information and advice on the Coronavirus (COVID 19) visit the Department of Health and Human Services or call the 24-hour Coronavirus hotline 1800 675 398.