Visiting high-risk settings

Face masks

Although there are no longer any Public Health Directions requiring the use of face masks, you may still be asked to wear one.

Other considerations

Some settings and workplaces are considered higher risk because there are people more vulnerable or at higher risk of severe disease or higher risk of widespread transmission of COVID-19.

In Queensland, high-risk setting includes:

• a hospital
• a residential aged care facility
• a disability accommodation service

If you have any symptoms of an acute respiratory infection you should avoid entering a high-risk setting until:

• at least 5 days following either the onset of symptoms or a positive COVID-19 test (whichever was first), and
• acute respiratory symptoms and fever have resolved, and
• you are able to comply with any additional infection prevention measures required.

There are specific considerations for facility operators and staff in these settings to manage the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Operators may impose restrictions or conditions to reduce the risks in that setting, such as:

• isolation processes for patients and residents
• conditions or restrictions for staff returning to work after a COVID-19 infection
• restrictions on visitors attending the high-risk setting, such as a requirement to wear a face mask or take other precautions.

If you are a patient or resident of a high-risk setting and you have tested positive to COVID-19 or have any symptoms of an acute respiratory infection you should notify your facility so they can appropriately implement local processes to reduce the risk of transmission within the facility.

You should comply with any additional requirements or conditions put in place by an operator to reduce widespread transmission of COVID-19 in a high-risk setting.

If you have tested positive to COVID-19 within the previous 7 days or have any symptoms of an acute respiratory infection and there are extenuating compassionate reasons for visiting a high-risk setting (e.g., an end-of-life visit), you should contact the facility to discuss how this can be safely arranged.

There are no restrictions or limitations when entering a high-risk facility if you require medical care, are giving birth or are a birthing support person, or if you are receiving, or supporting someone to receive, aged care or disability services.

However, you should advise the facility you have tested positive for COVID-19 or have acute respiratory symptoms. You should follow any directions provided to manage the risk to protect patients, residents, clients, visitors and staff.

Outside of the facilities and services mentioned above, you should consider what extra precautions and personal actions you can take to protect vulnerable family or community members, such as wearing a face mask even if you are well, cleaning your hands regularly, and staying away and testing if you have any acute respiratory symptoms.

Entering or returning to work in a high-risk workplace or setting

If you work in a high-risk setting and have been diagnosed with COVID-19, you should only return to your workplace if:

• at least 7 days have passed since you received a positive COVID-19 test result, and
• your acute respiratory symptoms and fever have resolved, apart from mild residual symptoms such as a mild dry cough, and
• you comply with any additional infection control procedures required by your employer.

If you have tested positive to COVID-19 and work in a high-risk setting, you should work from home where practicable. You should talk to your employer to discuss options available to you and any additional measures to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 transmission in your workplace.

Casual workers in some setting may be eligible for targeted financial support. To check if you are eligible, visit Services Australia.