The Victorian Department of Health recently alerted the public that COVID-19 transmission is rising across Victoria. The state has also seen a rapid increase in hospitalisations from the virus, with a seven-day average of 377 cases. Antiviral prescriptions increased in December to levels not observed since January 2023. The increases are linked to a new variant, JN.1.

Provision of free RATs from the Victorian Department of Health to local councils ended in December. While some councils still have a supply, others have run out. NDS is aware that many members are having trouble getting enough free or low-cost RATs. We have raised this urgent issue with the Victorian government.

NDIS providers no longer need to report all COVID infection cases (workers and participants). However, providers must inform the NDIS Commission when the consequences of COVID — or another change or event — have a significant and adverse effect.

See the NDIS Commission website for more information on how to report changes and events that affect your service.

NDS and health authorities encourage disability service providers to do what they can to reduce transmission during this wave.

These six steps can help your organisation stay ahead of COVID-19:

1. Encourage your staff to wear a N-95 mask.
2. Get vaccinated: stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine and encourage your staff and clients to do so. Victoria’s Better Health Channel has all the latest information. New monovalent vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe disease, and for in-depth information about COVID, the latest vaccines and vaccination guidelines, visit the Department of Health and Aged Care’s COVID page.
3. Let fresh air in: open windows and doors — it reduces the spread of the virus — and meet outside when possible.
4. Consider surveillance testing for clients, staff and visitors. Ask your staff to get tested if they have symptoms.
5. Stay at home: if someone in your team has COVID-19, they should stay at home for at least five days, until they have no symptoms. Encourage your staff with possible COVID-19 symptoms to stay at home. Symptomatic people should not visit people at risk of severe illness or sensitive settings, such as hospitals and aged care facilities.
6. Take antivirals: if someone is at risk of falling very sick, they may be eligible for COVID-19 antiviral medicines. They must take these within five days of developing symptoms — the sooner the better.

For a range of practical information including developing sound risk management practices, go to NDS’s COVID-19 hub.

Another useful resource is the Victorian COVID-19 infection, prevention and control guidelines.

The Victorian Department of Health are monitoring levels and will announce when this COVID-19 transmission wave has passed.