Pandemic payments for casual workers who test positive for COVID-19 have been extended over the summer period.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced recently that the national cabinet had agreed to continue the relief payments for workers in high-risk settings.
The financial support is available to employees who do not have access to sick leave but cannot go to work because they have contracted the virus.
High risk work includes aged care homes, hospital care, disability care and prisons.
Mandatory five-day isolation requirements for positive cases ended in mid-October, but employees in high-risk settings still need to stay away from work if they have COVID.
Some free PCR tests to require referral
Some free Covid PCR tests will require referrals as of next year.
The National Covid-19 Health Management Plan for 2023, released on Monday, outlines federal government plans for handling the pandemic over the coming year.
Health Minister Mark Butler has clarified that PCR tests will be available through GP respiratory clinics, state-run testing clinics or hospitals without a referral.
The health department said PCR tests remain free for everyone who needs them, and would remain bulk-billed if nurses or doctors request them for patients.
Second phase of COVID-flu Vaccine trial
The combined COVID and flu vaccine has entered its second phase of trials.
Pharmaceutical company Novavax is beginning to trial the vaccine, which would enable people to get one shot every year to protect them from both viruses.
Approximately fifteen hundred participants will be recruited for this second trial.
The company’s Executive Vice President John Trizzino, announced on Wednesday the candidates will be selected from 25 Australian and nine New Zealand clinical trial sites by the end of the year.
If the Phase Two trial of the COVID Influenza Combination vaccine is a success, a third trial phase will be necessary.
After that, Novavax would be able to seek approval to get the combined vaccine on the National Immunisation program, which would make it free for all eligible Australians.
COVID funding expiry raises fears in hospitals
The medical sector say they are concerned that the end of extra COVID funding will lead to cuts to other health services. The Australian Medical Association warns that the change to require a referral for PCR screening could create a significant disincentive to getting tested.
The Australian Medical Association and the Health Services Union say they are worried about the federal government’s withdrawal of national funding for COVID-19 services at the end of this month.
Both groups believe it will put more pressure on already stretched state health budgets and force hospitals to cut back on other services to make up the difference.
National resident of the Union, Gerard Hayes, said the federal government should maintain its commitment to COVID-19 testing and hospital care to prevent states having to cut other services.
Getting Up-To-Date with Covid vaccinations
Health authorities continue to emphasise the importance of getting up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations.
The cessation of most Covid restrictions means that the COVID virus, which is still circulating in the community, will continue to have an impact.
The best way to protect family and the community and help boost individual immunity, is to be get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible.
Vaccinations continue to be available from most GPs or pharmacies.
(Compiled by NEMBC Multilingual News Service, Victoria)
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