We have made updates to our surveillance testing requirements, to align our practice with the latest State Guidance.
Surveillance testing is a regular program of employee testing for COVID-19 to help prevent outbreaks. It applies in certain situations and work environments.
Surveillance testing is compulsory for:
- Asymptomatic close contacts returning to work under the exemption to quarantine requirements for healthcare workers
- Asymptomatic employees following a COVID-19 exposure at work (if advised by Infection Prevention)
And available on a voluntary basis to:
- All employees in ICUs and EDs without COVID-19 symptoms
- All employees working in community settings where increased transmission is present.
- All employees after caring for COVID-19 positive patients
- All employees in COVID-19 streaming areas (where care of COVID-19 patients occur) across other health services
Surveillance testing requirements
Asymptomatic close contacts returning to work
- Daily COVID-19 rapid antigen testing (RAT) before commencing shift for six days following notification as a close contact (testing is required only on the days working).
Asymptomatic employees following a COVID-19 exposure at work (if advised by Infection Prevention)
- PCR test 3 times per week with less than 72 hours between tests for at least 7 days after the exposure
Asymptomatic employees undertaking voluntary screening:
- PCR test – 1 time per week
Employees undergoing surveillance testing do not need to isolate if they are asymptomatic.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms
Please get tested as soon as possible (PCR) and do not attend work.
Approved by Professor Rhonda Stuart.