Australian News Group reported on December 12 that from January 1 next year, people in Australia will need to be referred for nucleic acid (PCR) testing, which is a major change in Australia's response to the new crown epidemic.
On Monday, Minister of Health Mark Butler announced the health management plan for the new crown epidemic in Australia. As the number of confirmed cases climbs again, Australia's response to the new crown epidemic has also changed. From 2023, Australia will respond to the new crown epidemic in a "similar way" to other respiratory viruses. Butler said the plan would ensure Australia's health system had the "capacity" to deal with future outbreaks and changes, promote vaccination and treatment, and slow the spread of the virus.
"This plan strikes the right balance, which we believe will protect vulnerable Australians, protect the integrity of our health and hospital systems, while safely transitioning out of the emergency phase of the pandemic."
(Image: News Corp Australia)
The plan is also trying to ensure people are the first to seek care in the community to reduce the pressure on hospitals. GP respiratory clinics will continue to operate through the summer until the end of February, but will resume if required.
Butler also said that after 2023, the new crown testing requirements will be consistent with the relevant arrangements for other respiratory diseases. Beginning January 1, the PCR tests reimbursed through Medicare will require a doctor or nurse referral.
Authorities advise low-risk people who test positive for rapid tests to stay at home as much as possible and avoid traveling to high-risk environments. Low-risk individuals living or working with high-risk individuals who remain symptomatic after a negative rapid test can be referred for PCR testing.
(Source: News Corp Australia)
PCR testing will prioritize high-risk groups. Older Australians, Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people living in remote communities, people with complex underlying health conditions and those who are immunocompromised are all at-risk groups under the new plan. Meanwhile, other key measures in the national plan include an extension of the vaccines program until December 2023, additional digital mental health services until June next year and support for nursing homes until the end of next year.
The plan will also include a separate long-term COVID-19 strategy to ensure the health system can support people with the after effects of COVID-19.
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