A glitch in the ACT Health notification system has sent incorrect advice messages to people who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 and served their seven-day period of self-isolation and quarantine.
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The glitch is adding to the uncertainty among members of the Canberra public as ACT Health continues to work on a "system update" which will allow people to self-report their positive rapid antigen test result via an online form.
ACT Health has advised that this system update is expected by the end of this week.
Victoria and Tasmania both have their RAT online reporting systems running, and NSW is working on its capability, which may yet face a legal challenge if self-reporting is made mandatory.
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"In the meantime, people with a positive test are asked to keep a record of the date it was positive and will be asked to complete the online form when it becomes available," an ACT Health spokesperson advised.
This advice will be sent via a Check In CBR push notification.
"People with a positive RAT result should refer to the ACT COVID-19 website to follow the instructions on what to do when they have a positive result," the spokesperson advised.
"This includes information on isolation as a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 and who you should tell about your positive COVID-19 result."
The Canberra Times has sought clarity from the ACT Health directorate on how many people have received the incorrect message advice.
A recent social media post from Canberra Health Services also requested people not to attend the Emergency Department "if your symptoms are mild, there are better options for you".
Dr Ian Marr, an infectious diseases specialist at Canberra Health Services, has provided much-needed clarity on many of the common questions around what people should do if COVID-19 hits their home, and said that most people manage their symptoms "at home well without going to the ED".
"This is important because we really don't want people coming to hospital for concerns that could be managed via a video call to a doctor or the delivery of medications to the home," Dr Marr said.
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