Page 573 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 30 March 2021
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Currently, Australia is in a more favourable position than many countries with our control of the virus, and there are global supply constraints that being are experienced by many countries. The local manufacturing of vaccine stocks will ensure that all members of the community will be able to receive a vaccination through the course of this year, but the process will take time. The ACT’s priority continues to be the delivery of a safe, efficient and targeted vaccination program. To date, we have seen a high uptake of vaccinations and I look forward to more Canberrans receiving their vaccinations.
We all know that COVID-19 had a major impact on our community and our health system in 2020. Progress is continuing, following the ACT government’s significant investment in public health services that were affected by COVID-19 restrictions and the suspension of many category 2 and 3 elective surgeries. At 30 June 2020 the territory had 1,505 patients overdue and awaiting surgery. By 29 March 2021 I am advised that only 151 of those patients remained on this list.
I am pleased to confirm that the ACT hospital system is on track to undertake a record number of elective surgeries in 2020-21. Through our partnerships with private hospitals, we have delivered more than 1,000 additional endoscopies, exceeding the government’s commitment to deliver up to 679 additional procedures this financial year. In addition, the recovery plan has so far offered more than 1,720 long-wait dental clients an appointment through the program, delivering those appointments to those most in need, including children and vulnerable community groups. I would like to thank those who are continuing to work together in delivering this important initiative to fast-track the recovery of the public health system.
In line with the ACT’s positive situation, the Chief Health Officer enacted a new set of COVID-normal restrictions from 9 am on 20 February 2021. The ACT’s cautious approach to the easing of restrictions throughout the pandemic has enabled us to remain in a strong position while also helping ACT businesses and the community to continue to move forward.
As part of this latest easing of restrictions, the use of the Check In CBR app became mandatory for restricted business and venues from 6 March 2021. This is an important step in our efforts to keep businesses and venues open with increased capacity, while ensuring that ACT Health can quickly and accurately conduct contact tracing, should there be a new case of COVID-19 reported in the ACT.
There have been instances reported interstate where it has been difficult to access critical contact tracing information from businesses and venues where they are not using a mandated check-in app. This can delay a critical public health response and potentially impact business operations, should restrictions need to be reintroduced. A new business profile function within the app has been developed so that businesses can check in patrons if they are unable to do so themselves. This function will guarantee that all patrons can check in, particularly those who may not have a smart device, and supports businesses and patrons to fulfil their requirements under the public health direction.
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