01 January 2022

Updates to COVID-19 exposure management

As case numbers continue to increase across the State, the Victorian Government has made changes to the way that exposures are managed in health care settings. These changes are separate from the changes made to close contacts that occur in community settings.

From 30 December 2021, dental staff who come into contact with a confirmed positive case no longer have to leave work and isolate.  Depending on the type of PPE worn and the nature of the exposure, staff may be required to undertake daily rapid antigen testing for 5 days and wear an N95 mask at all times at work for 7 days after the expsoure.

Any staff member who develops symptoms must get a throat-nose swab (PCR test) and isolate until their result is known and symptoms have resolved. More information can be found here.