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COVID-19
The health and wellbeing of our members, stakeholders, staff and the wider community remain a priority for Palliative Care WA, and we are committed to any WA Government’s policies and public health directives.
It is vitally important that we ensure the palliative care, aged care and community care workforce as well as the community is protected as much as possible. Given the number of new daily cases of COVID-19 currently being reported and taking on board the advice of the WA Palliative Medicine Specialist Group, we strongly recommend that all participants at any of our events wear a mask when not eating, drinking or presenting. Our staff will be wearing masks, and we will have some on hand for those who require one. Please do not attend any event if you are feeling unwell or have developed any cold or flu-like symptoms.
COVID-19 Helplines
- WA COVID info helpline 13 268 43
- National COVID helpline 1800 020 080
- Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line (national line) 1800 171 866
Key Information for WA
- The latest WA Government information and advice
- Public Health Bulletins from the WA State Health Incident Coordination Centre
- Translated information and advice on COVID-19
- View a snapshot of COVID-19 in WA, including case numbers
- WA COVID Care at Home is a free service that delivers home monitoring care for COVID-positive people in their homes
- After your COVID-19 test
- Information on Rapid Antigen Tests
- Information on free Rapid Antigen Tests in WA
- Advice for older people and carers (national site)
Vaccination Information
The Australian Government is providing the COVID-19 vaccine free for everyone in Australia, including all Australian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary visa holders.
- The latest news and information on COVID-19 vaccines in Australia (national site)
- Latest WA vaccine information including where you can get vaccinated
- Download the WA Health-Facts on Vax flyer
- The latest updates on WA’s vaccine policy
- Information on medical exemptions to mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations
- Vaccine information available in multiple languages (national site)
Proof of Vaccination
Showing proof of your vaccination is still required when visiting hospitals and residential aged care.
Masks
While masks are no longer mandatory in many places in WA, they are still encouraged where physical distancing is not possible. Masks are required for people aged 12 years and older in the following settings:
- Hospitals and health care settings including:
- GPs
- Aboriginal health services
- Dental and optical health clinics
- Allied health services such as physiotherapy, radiology and occupational therapy services
- Aged care facilities, residential care facilities including disability service facilities and mental health residential facilities
- Public and passenger transport, including taxis and rideshare vehicles, tour buses and school buses
- Correctional facilities
Useful Resources and Advice
- Health Consumer’s Council WA has produced a range of great resources to help you find the right supports during COVID-19
- Volunteering WA has information to help volunteers and organisations with volunteering during COVID-19
- General advice on preparing for and coping with COVID-19
- COVID-19 symptom checker
- Preparing to manage COVID-19 at home
- COVID-19 information for older Australians
- Beyond Blue COVID-19 mental wellbeing support service
- Black Dog Institute’s resources for anxiety and stress during COVID-19
- For crisis support and suicide prevention services call Lifeline on 13 11 14
For Sector Professionals – Palliative Care in the COVID-19 Environment
- A range of resources have been developed by WA Health to assist healthcare professionals to be able to respond to the care needs of patients in the evolving COVID-19 environment. This includes clinical care of those who require general and supportive care during COVID-19 illness, and for those who will be unlikely to recover and as a result will go on to require end-of-life care.
- WA Health also provides information on safety and support measures to protect remote Aboriginal Communities from COVID-19 which includes some messages in language.
- WAPHA has a developed a new section on their website that covers general information for services that are supporting people who are COVID-19 positive, including local services that are specific to regions across WA.
- On the national level, Palliative Care Australia has a range of updates and resources for health and aged care professionals. These updates have been generated by the Australian COVID-19 Palliative Care Working Group which they formed in partnership with the Australian and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine, Palliative Care Nurses Australia, Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine of the Royal College of Physicians, End of Life Directions for Aged Care (ELDAC), Paediatric Palliative Care Australia and New Zealand, CareSearch, caring@home and the Australian Department of Health.
- CareSearch has a range of resources for palliative care and end of life in the context of COVID-19.
- COVID-19 guidelines for outbreaks in residential facilities (national site)
