description). (This will be commenced in the Preparedness or standby stages and will focus here on entry of the disease into Australia and early Australian cases); compare any information about the overall pandemic with seasonal influenza to inform appropriate interventions; refine case definitions as needed; confirm identification of at risk groups; analyse and report Australian data; and maintain case notification system; activate academic studies using enhanced data to test assumptions; monitor sustainability of surveillance systems. Laboratory Capacity: Isolate the virus (if not already undertaken); undertake laboratory testing as required to monitor the pandemic and for individual patient care; develop POC testing to enable timely diagnosis with early discharge, use of antivirals and appropriate cohorting of admitted patients; implement testing protocols to support case management, surveillance needs and to preserve laboratory capacity; and maintain laboratory capacity/capability to detect/test for novel virus. Communications (see Communications Chapter for more detail) Information should be provided as early as possible and acknowledge any associated uncertainty. Sharing information between responders: provide public health management guidance; provide clinical health management guidance (primary care and hospital based); provide advice on antiviral use; share information on the status of disease spread and the current response; raise awareness of at risk groups; provide any information to WHO required under International Health Regulations (IHR) reporting arrangements; and liaise with other international counterparts. Public Communications: coordinate public messaging by convening NHEMRN; and provide information on the status of disease spread and the current response; provide specific information for groups at risk or with specific needs (e.g. CALD, aged care or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people). Monitor feedback and refine communications to address issues and concerns identified; provide media with access to daily updates on the status of disease spread and the current response; provide access to background information; make spokespeople available; respond to media requests; provide advice on: respiratory hygiene and hand-washing; mask wearing (if appropriate); how to find out more information; and hotline details (if any). (Communication measures related directly to infection control and border are included in those sections.) Border measures Communications:
description). (This will be commenced in the Preparedness or standby stages and will focus here on entry of the disease into Australia and early Australian cases); compare any information about the overall pandemic with seasonal influenza to inform appropriate interventions; refine case definitions as needed; confirm identification of at risk groups; analyse and report Australian data; and maintain case notification system; activate academic studies using enhanced data to test assumptions; monitor sustainability of surveillance systems. Laboratory Capacity: Isolate the virus (if not already undertaken); undertake laboratory testing as required to monitor the pandemic and for individual patient care; develop POC testing to enable timely diagnosis with early discharge, use of antivirals and appropriate cohorting of admitted patients; implement testing protocols to support case management, surveillance needs and to preserve laboratory capacity; and maintain laboratory capacity/capability to detect/test for novel virus. Communications (see Communications Chapter for more detail) Information should be provided as early as possible and acknowledge any associated uncertainty. Sharing information between responders: provide public health management guidance; provide clinical health management guidance (primary care and hospital based); provide advice on antiviral use; share information on the status of disease spread and the current response; raise awareness of at risk groups; provide any information to WHO required under International Health Regulations (IHR) reporting arrangements; and liaise with other international counterparts. Public Communications: coordinate public messaging by convening NHEMRN; and provide information on the status of disease spread and the current response; provide specific information for groups at risk or with specific needs (e.g. CALD, aged care or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people). Monitor feedback and refine communications to address issues and concerns identified; provide media with access to daily updates on the status of disease spread and the current response; provide access to background information; make spokespeople available; respond to media requests; provide advice on: respiratory hygiene and hand-washing; mask wearing (if appropriate); how to find out more information; and hotline details (if any). (Communication measures related directly to infection control and border are included in those sections.) Border measures Communications:
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