Dear Member/owner,

Case numbers continue to fall to new lows, despite an increase in tests performed since Easter.

Financial support for UCCs

Cabinet is due to make an announcement on assistance for some health and disability providers tomorrow or Sunday. RNZCUC and AMCA spoke to the MoH today, who asked us to let them know about individual clinics that are experiencing severe financial difficulties.

Could any such clinics please contact AMCA via Alistair Sullivan, alistair.sullivan@outlook.com

Case definition

The case definition document has changed – aged care asymptomatic contacts can now be tested.

‘Suspected case’ definition has not changed.
The clause underlined below seems to have been added, allowing the Medical Officer of Health to direct testing of asymptomatic contacts when a case has occurred in a ‘vulnerable residential institution.’

“In addition, more extensive testing, including testing of people who are asymptomatic, may be required on advice from the local Medical Officer of Health:

when an outbreak or cluster is suspected, or being investigated
when a case is identified in a vulnerable residential institution such as an aged residential care facility.

Testing of individuals who are asymptomatic is NOT recommended unless requested by the local Medical Officer of Health.”

With best wishes,

David Gollogly, Jasmine Mackay, Richard Chen

Pandemic Response Committee