Canberrans are being asked to complete a new digital screening tool before visiting ACT health facilities, helping to protect staff and patients from the potential risk of COVID-19.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the new digital screening tool will make it easier for visitors to enter ACT health facilities following the reintroduction of visitor restrictions earlier this week.
"We are asking any person who is unwell to stay away from our health facilities. This is to protect the health of patients who are already at greater risk of the impacts from COVID-19.
"This online screening process will help to streamline and coordinate people coming to our health facilities. Anyone who has symptoms or has recently visited a high-risk area will be notified in advance that they cannot enter a facility," said Minister Stephen-Smith.
The online tool asks a series of simple questions that and gives the user either a green tick or a red cross to indicate the level of safety to enter a facility on that date.
Visitors can simply show the green tick on their mobile phone when entering a health facility. Staff will know you have completed the assessment and are permitted to visit.
If you get a red cross this indicates you may have COVID-19 symptoms and/or that you have been in high risk COVID area which means you cannot enter the health facility and you may need to be tested.
People are encouraged to use the tool before arriving at a health service by:
- Accessing the tool via their phone at .screening.covid19.act.gov.au; or
- scanning the QR code that features on posters as you enter hospital grounds, before entering buildings.
The tool will soon be available on the ACT Health App.
For visitors who are not able to complete the form online, screening desks will continue to be available at entrances.
"We are encouraging all visitors to use the online tool if possible. This will help with movement of visitors throughout the hospital and significantly reduce the risk of people who are unwell entering our health facilities.
"The decision to restrict visitors to our health services is always a difficult one, but it ensures we can protect the health and safety of patients, staff and their loved ones. This is especially necessary for our most vulnerable, particularly patients whose health is already compromised," said Minister Stephen-Smith.
