mteb/FeedbackQARetrieval huggingface dataset:
Hygiene and cleaning for the health workforce during COVID-19
Disinfecting
Bleach solutions
Disinfect surfaces after cleaning. Disinfectant does not work as well on
soiled or dirty surfaces.
Use a ready-made disinfectant that claims to kill viruses, or prepare a
chlorine-based (bleach) disinfectant. Always follow the instructions on the
label.
While bleach (chlorine) solutions are effective, handling bleach can be
dangerous. Consider using a safer alternative if possible.
If you decide to use bleach solution:

follow the instructions on the label
work in a well-ventilated area
do not use it with other products such as toilet bowl cleaners, acids (including vinegar) or anything containing ammonia
wear gloves when handling or preparing the solution
use protective eye wear to protect against splashes
make up the solution daily
use it mainly on hard, non-porous surfaces — it can damage textiles and metals
use a disposable paper towel or cloth to wipe the surface with the bleach solution

For full instructions, read our COVID-19 environmental cleaning and
disinfection principles fact sheet.
For more information about disinfectants and bleach, read:

appropriate use of disinfectants: information for consumers, health professionals and healthcare facilities — Therapeutic Goods Administration
chlorine use in infection control — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
chlorine — National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
chlorine bleach safety — North Dakota State University
working with household (chlorine) bleach — Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Hygiene and cleaning for the health workforce during COVID-19
Protect yourself when cleaning or disinfecting
To minimise the risk of getting coronavirus, you should:

practise good hygiene
wear disposable impermeable gloves, a surgical mask, and eye protection or a face shield
wash hands with water and soap (use alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap is not available) before and after wearing protective gear
dispose of gloves and masks in a leak-proof plastic bag

If you can see respiratory secretions or other bodily fluid on surfaces, wear
a full-length disposable gown as well.
If a confirmed case or a person in isolation is in a room you need to clean,
ask them to put on a surgical mask.
Get advice from your work health and safety representative about wearing
protective gear correctly. View our information on PPE for the health
workforce.
Hygiene and cleaning for the health workforce during COVID-19
Cleaning in the workplace
Communal areas for staff and the public
Routinely clean surfaces in these areas.
These areas include staff dining rooms, cafes, retail outlets, and staff
meeting rooms.
Health care settings
In patient areas, including consulting rooms:

clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces between each episode of patient care
take special care with surfaces that patients have touched directly or that have been exposed to respiratory droplets
take the 5 moments for hand hygiene approach

For inpatient care:

routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at least daily
clean and disinfect more often in high intensity or high traffic areas, such as ICU or outpatient areas
clean and disinfect equipment after each use
clean and disinfect surfaces that have been exposed to respiratory droplets between episode of patient care

If an area is very contaminated, you may need to conduct a terminal clean.
Patient transport vehicles
Set the air conditioning to fresh air. Do not recirculate air in the vehicle.
Routinely clean the surfaces.
Hygiene and cleaning for the health workforce during COVID-19
Terminal cleaning
Terminal cleaning is a procedure to decontaminate an area after discharge or
transfer of a patient with an infectious disease. Terminal cleaning includes
thorough cleaning and disinfection.
To carry out terminal cleaning:

remove medical equipment and items used by the patient
wear PPE — a surgical mask, protective eyewear, gloves and a gown
change bed screens and curtains, including disposable curtains or screens, that are soiled or contaminated
damp dust all surfaces, furniture and fittings
clean windows, sills and frames
clean all surfaces of bed and mattress
mop the floor
remove PPE and perform hand hygiene
clean all cleaning equipment and return it to the cleaners’ room or storage area
discard any waste
perform hand hygiene

You can use either of the following approaches:

2-step clean: clean with detergent and then disinfect
2-in-1 clean: clean with a combined detergent and disinfectant

For the 2-step clean, use either:

Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)-listed hospital-grade disinfectant that acts against viruses
chlorine-based product such as sodium hypochlorite

For the 2-in-1 clean, use either:

combined detergent and TGA-listed hospital-grade disinfectant that acts against viruses
combined detergent and chlorine-based product such as sodium hypochlorite (wipe or solution)

Online training
A 30-minute online module — COVID-19 infection control
training — is
available for care workers across all health care settings.
This training is hosted on an external site, provided by our COVID-19 training
partner Aspen Medical.
Register now
Publications and fact sheets
See our resources for health professionals on hygiene and
cleaning.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) resources for health professionals, including aged
care providers, pathology providers and health care
managers
A collection of resources for health professionals, including aged care
providers, pathology providers and health care managers, about coronavirus
(COVID-19).
Webinars
View our webinars on the COVID-19 response for the health and aged care
sector.
Hygiene and cleaning for the health workforce during COVID-19
Routine cleaning
Frequently touched surfaces
Frequently touched surfaces include door handles, bedrails, tabletops and
light switches.
Clean these surfaces frequently (at least daily) or when visibly dirty. Use
detergent solution or combined detergent and disinfectant solution or wipes.
Follow the instructions on the label.
Minimally touched surfaces
Minimally touched surfaces include floors, ceilings, walls, window curtains
and blinds.
Clean these surfaces when visibly dusty or dirty and straight after any
spills. Use:

detergent solution or wipes for general surfaces and non-patient care areas
detergent solution to damp mop instead of dry mopping

You should also:

regularly change window curtains
regularly clean sinks and basins

Follow the instructions on the label when using cleaning products.
If you need a payment
Check what you can get
You may get a payment in any of the following circumstances. These include if
you’re:

not able to work or don’t have work
in isolation or hospitalised
caring for children.

You may get 1 of the following payments:

Youth Allowance
JobSeeker Payment
Parenting Payment.

If you’re caring for a child, you may also be able to claim Family Tax
Benefit.
If you’re in severe financial hardship and can’t get other income support, you
may be able to claim Special
Benefit.
If you’re in severe financial hardship because of extreme circumstances, you
may be able to claim the one off Crisis Payment – National Health Emergency
(COVID-19) payment.
You may be able to get income from JobKeeper
payment through your
employer. Ask them if they’ve registered for this payment before you claim an
income support payment from us. If they have and you’re eligible, your
employer will pay it to you. You don’t need to call or visit us to claim
JobKeeper payment.
If you need a payment
Report and keep your payment
If we approve your claim, you’ll need to report your
income for the past 2 weeks to
get your first payment.
To do this, there’ll be a reporting task for you to complete in either your:

Centrelink online account
Express Plus Centrelink mobile app.

You need to report every fortnight, even when your and your partner’s income
is zero.
You can find out what day you need to report either:

online, using your Centrelink online account through myGov or the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app
by phone.

[ Claim a payment
Complete the following steps to claim a payment due to coronavirus.
](/individuals/subjects/coronavirus-covid-19-and-how-we-may-help/if-you-need-
payment/claim-payment)
If you need a payment
Claim a payment
If you’ve got a Centrelink online account, you can claim a
payment.
If you don’t have a Centrelink online account, you can get one online. You can
establish your identity and get a Centrelink Reference Number (CRN) with
myGov and
then link to Centrelink. You don’t need to visit a service centre or call us.
Watch our video to find out about setting up your Centrelink online account
and claiming a payment.
Transcript | Watch on
YouTube
Immigration detention
Detention visitor program closure 
The immigration detention visitor program was
ceased on 24 March 2020. These measures are NOT permanent and we will
continually review them.
There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the immigration detention
network.
As community transmission of COVID-19 increases within Australia, our key
focus is preventing the entry of COVID-19 to facilities.
We are committed to the health and safety of detainees and staff.
The changes are consistent with those in the community and we will continue to
put in place measures in detention facilities in line with advice from the
Department of Health and the broader Commonwealth response.These are being
regularly reviewed.
Each detainee will receive a $20 phone credit each week to support ongoing
contact with family and community groups via their personal devices. This will
continue until the measures are lifted for the visits program. We understand
the important role visitors play in detainees' health and wellbeing.
The decision to cease visits has been carefully considered in relation to
social distancing and measures across all States and Territories around public
gatherings and current health advice. ​
Immigration detention
​Religious services
It has been observed that most religious groups are self-electing to cease
visits to detention facilities as they adhere to the measures being
implemented within the community.
Each detention facility has a Religious Liaison Officer (RLO) who is working
with a number of religious groups to ensure alternate methods for religious
observance. In some cases, pre-recorded services are being made available
where a religious group does not have an alternate means to provide remote
services.
Industry and employers
Supermarkets
On 4 April 2020, the Government announced it was ceasing the temporary
relaxation of the 40 hour work limit for student visa holders working in
supermarkets.
From 1 May 2020, the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Border
Force will exercise normal discretion in relation to student visa holders
employed in supermarkets who exceed the work limitations of their visa.
The Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Border Force officers will
not seek to enforce these conditions for, nor initiate prosecutions with
respect to, student visa holders who worked in supermarkets in accordance with
this temporary measure between 7 March 2020 and 30 April 2020.
Industry and employers
Agriculture
We will apply flexible arrangements to allow critical workers, including
Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme participants and Working
Holiday Makers, to extend their stay in Australia:

Seasonal Worker Programme workers with visas due to expire will be able to apply for a Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa in the Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream.
Pacific Labour Scheme workers with visas due to expire can apply for a new Temporary Work (International Relations) (subclass 403) Pacific Labour scheme stream visa.
Workers currently in Australia under these programs will also be exempt from the requirement to work for a single employer and will be able to move between approved employers.

In addition, Working Holiday Makers who are working in critical sectors (eg
agriculture, aged or health care) will be exempt from the 6 month work
limitation with one employer and eligible for a Temporary Activity (subclass
408) visa in the Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream.
Industry and employers
Aged Care
International students who work in aged care can also work more than 40 hours
a fortnight, to make sure there are enough staff to look after the elderly who
are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.
All aged care Approved Providers or Commonwealth funded aged care service
providers that have been issued with a RACS ID or a NAPS ID have been given
access to the temporary relaxation of working hours for student visa holders.
These aged care providers should see the letter provided to them by the
Department of Health for further details.​
These measures only apply to existing workers in their existing roles.
They are temporary measures and will be reviewed by the government regularly.
Employers will be advised in writing when these considerations no longer
apply.
Industry and employers
Airline industry
From 2100 AEDT 20 March 2020, airline staff should ensure that only exempt
travellers board a flight to Australia. Where possible, the Australian
Advanced Passenger Processing system will be used to deny uplift for all other
travellers.
The Australian Government will honour all “okay to board” messages that
airlines receive.
Airlines must contact the Australian Border Force Border Operations Centre
prior to non-exempt travellers boarding the flight.
Airline crew (including medivac crew) are exempt from the travel restrictions.
Airline crew are advised to take particular care on lay-overs, to use
dedicated private transport and to avoid crowded public spaces.
Airline crew should monitor for symptoms and not fly if they are ill. This
includes off-shift crew who are travelling as passengers on an aircraft to
reposition at another location. The same process is to be followed for this
cohort as on-shift crew.
Airline crew are required to self-isolate in their accommodation, if they
enter Australia, until their next work flight.
Industry and employers
Cruise ship industry
As of 15 March 2020 there is a full restriction on arrivals of any cruise ship
that has left a foreign port. The restrictions are inclusive of direct
arrivals and Round Trip Cruises (RTC).
This measure will be reviewed after 30 days.
The health, welfare and safety of Australians, both at home and overseas, is
the highest priority of the Australian Government.
From 1am AEDST 16 March 2020, Australia will deny entry to any cruise ship
that has left a foreign port, with the exception of:

Australian-flagged vessels.
International cruise ships en route having departed their last overseas port and destined for Australia.
Australian cruise vessels (domestic cruise ships) operating within the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone can continue to operate without restriction.
Round Trip Cruises that are already in progress and currently returning to Australia.

Cruise ships that do not meet the above exemptions, may be approved through
the Maritime Traveller Processing Committee (MTPC). These approved cruise
ships will be required to go to Brisbane or Sydney.
Crew
Cruise ship crew must self-isolate for 14 days or for the duration of their
stay whichever is shorter.
Information for employers
Eligibility
As part of the application process, businesses and not-for-profits need to
assess that they have or will likely experience the required turnover decline.
Employers (including not-for-profits) will be eligible for the subsidy if:

their business has an aggregated turnover of less than $1 billion (for income tax purposes) and they estimate their GST turnover has fallen or will likely fall by 30 per cent or more; or
their business has an aggregated turnover of $1 billion or more (for income tax purposes) and they estimate their GST turnover has fallen or will likely fall by 50 per cent or more.

An employer is not eligible for the JobKeeper payment if:

the Major Bank Levy was imposed on the entity or a member of its consolidated group for any quarter before 1 March 2020;
the entity is an Australian government agency (within the meaning of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997);
the entity is a local governing body;
the entity is wholly owned by an Australian government agency or local governing body;
the entity is a sovereign entity or an entity owned by a sovereign entity;
the entity is a company in liquidation; or
the entity is an individual who has entered bankruptcy.

The Tax Commissioner has discretion to consider additional information that
the business or not-for-profit can provide to establish that they have been
significantly affected by the impacts of the coronavirus.
Isolation for coronavirus (COVID-19)
Cleaning
Clean all 'high-touch' surfaces at least once per day wearing water-proof
disposable gloves. This includes:

benchtops
tabletops
doorknobs
bathroom fixtures
toilets
bedside tables
phones
computer keyboards
tablets

You should also clean any surfaces that may have blood, body fluids and/or
secretions on them.
Read labels of cleaning products and follow the instructions for use. Labels
contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product. They
also include precautions you should take when applying the product.
There are 2 options for cleaning something:

a 2-step cleaning process, where you clean something with detergent and then disinfect it
a 1-step process, where you use a combined detergent and disinfectant product.

The disinfectant you use should say on the label it is hospital-grade that
kills viruses. You can also use a chlorine-based product such as bleach.
If you are cleaning something for another person who has COVID-19 you should:

wear a mask and disposable gloves when handling soiled items
wash your hands immediately after removing gloves and masks
wash laundry. Do not shake the laundry items before washing
remove and wash clothes or bedding that has blood, body fluids and/or secretions on them
read and follow the directions on laundry items and detergent. Wash and dry with the warmest temperatures recommended on the label
wash dishes in a dishwasher where possible

Put gloves, masks, and other contaminated items in a lined waste bin before
disposing of them with other household waste. Wash your hands immediately
after handling these items.
Isolation for coronavirus (COVID-19)
Support services
There are a range of support services available to help you. You can do the
following:


Visit Head to Health for links to trusted Australian mental health online and phone supports, resources and treatment options. This useful website also has online programs and forums, as well as a range of digital information resources.


Contact your local state and territory health departments.


National Coronavirus Helpline
Call this line if you are seeking information on coronavirus (COVID-19) or
help with the COVIDSafe app. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a
week.
1800 020 080
View contact
Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)
TIS National is for people who do not speak English and for agencies and
businesses that need to communicate with their non-English speaking clients.
131 450 Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS
National)
View contact
Isolation for coronavirus (COVID-19)
Steps other members of the household and caregivers can take to prevent infection
You should only share a house with a person with COVID-19 if:

you are providing essential care to that person
you cannot find a different place to live

People who stay in the same place as someone with COVID-19 will be a close
contact and must follow quarantine rules. People should
follow these rules for 14 days from when the person with COVID-19 was last
infectious.
Wash your hands
Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20
seconds. You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser if your hands are not
visibly dirty. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Always wash your hands before putting on and after taking off gloves and
masks.
Wear a mask
Wear disposable masks and gloves when:

you are in the same room as the person with COVID-19
you touch or have contact with the person’s blood, body fluids and/or secretions

You should:

make sure your mask covers your nose and mouth at all times
throw out masks and gloves after use
wash your hands immediately after taking off masks and gloves

Monitor symptoms
If you are a caregiver or household member and develop a cold or flu-like
symptoms you should call your GP or
healthdirect. Tell them you are a close
contact of someone with COVID-19.
If you become very unwell and it is a medical emergency call 000.
Isolation for coronavirus (COVID-19)
How to get food and medication
You can get food and medication while in isolation in the following ways:

Ask friends or family members you don’t live with to get food and medication to leave at your door. If you need a prescription filled arrange this with your usual pharmacist or GP. You can then let your friend or family member know where to go to collect the medication.
Arrange a food delivery service. Have all food left outside your house. Do not let any delivery person into your home.
If you need a prescription filled, you can arrange for your doctor to send your prescription to your pharmacy. They can then deliver it to your house. Read more about getting medicines and accessing health services.
Isolation for coronavirus (COVID-19)
Living with other people while in isolation
If you share your home with others, you should limit your contact with them.
Do this by:

staying alone in your own room
using a different bathroom, if possible
avoiding shared areas
wearing a mask when in the same room as others
not being in the same room as other people, especially people at risk of severe disease (this includes elderly people and people with heart, lung, or kidney conditions and diabetes)
practising good hand hygiene and covering coughs and sneezes
not sharing household items
frequently cleaning the house, especially things people touch often, like door handles

Cover coughs and sneezes
Practise good cough and sneeze hygiene:

cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
if you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow
place used tissues in a bin
wash your hands straight away with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or
use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser

Wash your hands regularly
You should wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser if your hands are not visibly
dirty.
Always do this:

before entering an area where there are other people
before touching things used by other people
after using the bathroom
after coughing or sneezing
before putting on, and after removing, gloves and masks.

Wear a mask
Wear a mask when you are:

in the same room as another person, even if they are also in isolation
passing through communal areas
you visit a health care provider

Make sure your mask covers your nose and mouth at all times. Don’t touch your
mask unnecessarily and replace it if it is wet.
Don’t share household items
You should not share items with people in your home if possible, including:

dishes
drinking glasses
cups
cutlery
towels
bedding

After using these items, wash them with soap and water or put them in a
dishwasher or washing machine.