The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander AdvisoryGroup on COVID-19 (the taskforce) met for the second time on Tuesday, 10 March2020.
The taskforce providedsignificant input into the development of the national primary care targetaction response, with insights on workforce planning, cultural safety, theimportance of prompt access to test results and the practicalities aroundmaintaining service continuity when demand increases.
The Taskforce also agreedthe preparation of culturally appropriate and consistent advice to Aboriginaland Torres Strait Islander Health Services and Communities is a priority,together with the identification of the infrastructure, equipment and overallcapacity to provide the swift response required to address COVID-19.
For remote communities,the taskforce discussed the importance of involving all community serviceorganisations, such as Local Councils, Land Councils, schools and not justhealth services, in the development of local COVID-19 preparedness and responsemanagement plans. In addition, the plans will need to include local protocolsfor respiratory clinics where appropriate and ready evacuation procedures forthe very sick. The Taskforce also acknowledged the importance of an appropriateand proportionate urban and regional response given the majority of Aboriginaland Torres Strait Islander people live in those areas.
Members provided verycomprehensive advice on a range of associated issues that also require attentionincluding the provision of the Influenza 2020 vaccination in a timely manner.
Co-chaired by the Department of Health and theNational Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), thetaskforce includes Public Health Medical Officers and leaders from theAboriginal Community Controlled Sector, Aboriginal Health Services, state andterritory government public health and medical officials, Aboriginalcommunicable disease experts, the Australian Indigenous Doctors' Associationand the National Indigenous AustraliansAgency.
The taskforce will next meet on Thursday, 12 March2020.
