A THREAD

10 completely reasonable questions /topics for #journalist to ask medical professor who is present @DanielAndrewsMP presser today

All within scope
All part of their responsibilities
#HCW need answers & more importantly need more action from government
#covid19vic
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1. AIRBORNE SPREAD

Please explain to us airborne spread #SARSCoV2

Please tell us about the contribution that airborne spread has on #HCW infection

Please explain what #HCW can do to reduce their exposure to airborne virus

Any other question about this topic
#covid19vic
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2.AEROSOL TRANSMISSION

Please can you tell us about aerosol transmission and it’s role in #HCW infection

The #science is pretty clear that aerosols plays a major role in spread of #COVID19vic There is this new term going around “aerosol deniers” Are you an aerosol denier?

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3. DROPLET ONLY PRECAUTIONS

Why are Vic guidelines for #HCW still only advising droplet #PPE (Tier 2) many #COVID19vic patients situations?

Droplet precautions recommended even when patient has severe coughing
(What about small particles?)

https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/personal-protective-equipment-ppe-covid-19

4. FIT TESTING

#HCW today are wearing respirator masks #N95 that likely do not fit because they haven’t undergone fit testing
This will especially be #nurses
Why aren’t you recommending immediate implementation of #fittesting
There is no need to trial fit testing
#asbestos
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5. SUPPLY OF N95 RESPIRATOR MASKS

Is there a problem with the supply of #N95 masks?

If not then why the droplet only (Tier 2) advice for #HCW

Why aren’t all #HCW who are caring for #COVID19vic patients not wearing safety #PPE ie airborne/aerosol protection PPE?

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6. PROPORTION OF HCW LIKELY INFECTED AT WORK IS 93% (not 70-80%)

9 out of 10 healthcare workers are likely being infected at work -why haven’t PPE guidelines changed, & why isn’t fit testing being immediately implemented?

#HCW are at work today

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https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/202008/2001628_COVID-19%20Protecting%20our%20healthcare%20workers_v9.pdf

7. NATIONAL PPE GUIDANCE FOR STAFF IN HOSPITALS

Doesn’t advise safest level Tier 3 #PPE for #HCW caring for #COVID19Aus patients - why?

“Contact and droplet precautions; PPE for use in routine care of patients with confirmed or potential COVID-19”
8/ https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/guidance-on-the-use-of-personal-protective-equipment-ppe-in-hospitals-during-the-covid-19-outbreak

REPEAT

8. Anything about airborne spread

9. Anything about aerosol transmission

10. Anything about why guidelines & guidance don’t recommend highest #workplace #safety #PPE (Tier 3 / Level 3) [respirator masks etc] & why #fittesting is not happening immediately for #HCW
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These are real issues for #HCW working today, tomorrow, all days ahead - even after this #pandemic is over

These topics & the actions that can come from addressing them can result in meaningful change for #HCW

There’s more government can do right now, today #prevention

10/end