This guideline was developed by the Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA), in consultation with the Aged Care sector, and noted by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC). The document is adapted from previous work on Influenza Outbreaks in Residential Care Facilities (RCF) in Australia, Australian state and territory guidelines for respiratory illness outbreak management in RCF, documents and guidelines from the Australian Department of Health and other Australian health agencies, and documents and guidelines from various international health authorities including the World Health Organisation, Centres for Diseases Control and Prevention, and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
This guideline is provided to assist public health authorities, residential care services, healthcare workers and carers by providing best practice information for the prevention and management of COVID-19 outbreaks in RCF. This guideline captures the knowledge of experienced professionals and provides guidance on good practice based upon the available evidence at the time of completion. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained within this guideline. Guideline information is not intended to be a substitute for advice from other relevant sources including, but not limited to, advice from a health professional. Clinical judgement and discretion may be required in the interpretation and application of these guidelines.
The membership of CDNA and AHPPC, and the Commonwealth of Australia as represented by the Department of Health (the department), do not warrant or represent that the information contained in the guideline is accurate, current or complete. CDNA, AHPPC and the department do not accept any legal liability or responsibility for any loss, damages, costs or expenses incurred by the use of, reliance on, or interpretation of, the information contained in the guideline.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidelines for Outbreaks
