Natasha Griggs, Administrator Christmas and Cocos Keeling Islands

7 hours ago

IOT COVID-19 SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATE – 26 May 2022
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Review of local COVID response measures

Following the changes to local COVID response measures implemented on 28 April 2022, the subcommittee has been carefully monitoring the IOT COVID caseload and WA case numbers. This week, as scheduled and in line with our previous communications, we have reviewed the current settings for the IOT.

Based on expert public health advice on the local COVID situation and the continuing high WA caseload, there will be no changes to IOT settings at this time. A further review of IOT COVID management policies will take place by 10 June 2022.

To confirm current settings:

• Masks still need to be worn indoors and on public transport. Mask-wearing remains a simple and effective measure which assists in transmission reduction. We thank residents and visitors for their ongoing cooperation.

• Pre-travel and Day 3 rapid antigen testing requirements remain. This reflects the risk difference and caseload numbers between the mainland and the IOT. It is critical that travellers comply with entry requirements and, most importantly, do not travel if experiencing symptoms, regardless of test outcomes.

• Maintaining full vaccination requirements for incoming travellers.

• Current definitions and quarantine requirements for close contacts are being maintained. Again, this reflects our current low caseload.

Public health advice confirms that the IOT remains in a very different stage of COVID transmission and management to WA and the rest of Australia. It has been seen in other jurisdictions, particularly in remote or regional areas, that where restrictions are removed earlier in the COVID outbreak, it can have a significant and negative impact on community transmission and delivery of health services.

It is important to remember the lack of broader restrictions (such as capacity, activity and event limits) which the IOT has been fortunate to experience, due to our careful and layered approach. The subcommittee continues to work on a staged scaling-back of restrictions when appropriate.

The subcommittee thanks everyone for their ongoing cooperation and efforts to keep yourself and others safe as we work together to manage this latest stage of the pandemic. You will be kept informed as reviews take place.

Yacht travel to the IOT

From 10 June 2022, yachts will once again be able to travel to the IOT, subject to the same rules as other travellers including vaccination and travel application requirements. A travel application form for recreational vessels is being developed and will be available shortly.

Influenza (flu) vaccine

Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause widespread illness and deaths every year.

This year, we are all more vulnerable to the flu due to lower recent exposure to the virus and lower uptake of the flu vaccination. With international and interstate borders reopened, it’s likely we will see more flu in 2022.

Vaccination is our best defence against flu viruses. Even fit and healthy people should get vaccinated to protect themselves and help stop the spread.

Yearly flu vaccination is recommended for individuals aged 6 months and over. People over 65, and those with chronic diseases, are more at risk of complications and are eligible for free annual flu vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program.

The IOT Health Service has already commenced the local flu vaccine program roll-out and is in contact with high risk groups and other cohorts to arrange their jabs. Anyone wanting to book in for a flu vaccination is strongly encouraged to contact your local clinic ASAP.

Common side effects of the influenza vaccine are injection site reactions: mild soreness, redness, and/or swelling.

Any other symptoms including fever, chills, headache, malaise, joint pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea and flu-like symptoms of sore throat, runny nose, cough and chills are to be reported to the hospital. In these circumstances, please isolate away from others and perform a rapid antigen test.

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IOT COVID-19 SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATE – 26 May 2022

createsend.com

Following the changes to local COVID response measures implemented on 28 April 2022, the subcommittee has been carefully monitoring the IOT COVID caseload and WA case numbers. This week, as scheduled ...