WA COVID-19 Information
Current as at 28 April 2021.
There will be some changes at our health service during the post-lockdown transition.
Please check the visitor guidelines BEFORE visiting the hospital or attending an appointment.
Visiting guidelines
There are changes to how many people can attend an Outpatient appointment, the Emergency Department and to visit a patient in the hospital. Read more here.
Everyone aged over 12 years must wear a mask.
Visitor guidelines for Inpatients at Perth Children's Hospital and Neonatalogy wards at King Edward Memorial Hospital
One visitor total, per patient, per day - except in neonatology (at PCH and KEMH) and ICU where visiting is restricted to parents only. This is already a special exemption from the current directions for Perth hospitals, so any further allowances will only be made for medical emergencies or compassionate grounds due to serious medical concerns. Please speak to your treating team.
Visitor guidelines for Outpatient appointments at Perth Children's Hospital or any of our community based sites
For any outpatient appointments that are going ahead in person, only one visitor accompanying the client is allowed. No siblings allowed. This is already a special exemption from the existing visitor guidelines set in the current post-lockdown transition phase. No further allowances will be made.
SafeWA app
To enter the hospital or any of our community based sites, you will need to register using the SafeWA app. You will also be asked some questions about your health and quarantine status by our staff.
Check in with the SafeWA app is now at all our sites.
Community Health appointments, groups and drop in sessions
Booked immunisation appointments will continue as planned. Non-essential booked appointments at Community Health will be switched to alternative options such as telehealth or postponed if required. You will be contacted by your Community Child Health Nurse or Child Development Service clinician. From Tuesday 27 April 2021 until the 7 May, Child Health Nurse drop-in appointments will not be taking place. For medical concerns, please see your GP or visit us again when the restrictions are lifted. Face to face parenting groups will be rescheduled.
CAMHS
ALL booked appointments will go ahead as planned. If appropriate, this might be a face to face appointment with COVID-safe practices or a Telehealth appointment or phone call. One adult accompanying the client only. Based on clinical need, some group sessions will continue with COVID-safe practices. You will be contacted if any changes are required.
Perth Children's Hospital - upcoming surgery and appointments
Booked surgery and procedures
Only category 1 and urgent category 2 surgeries will go ahead this week. The Surgical Waitlisting Team will continue to contact everyone who has surgery booked this week in order of surgery time and date to let them know what is happening. Speak to the waitlist team if you have any concerns.
Outpatients appointments at PCH
Changes to outpatient appointments this week will be made based on clinical need and patient safety. Non-essential outpatient appointments at PCH will be switched to alternative options such as telehealth or postponed if required. SMS messages or direct contact will be made. To reschedule your child's appointment, contact Outpatient Direct or use the Manage my care app. In line with the existing visitor exemptions in our hospital, only one accompanying visitor and no siblings allowed. Find out more at outpatient appointments.
There may still be other ways of attending your outpatient appointment, including by telephone or video conferencing (Telehealth).
All you need to know about COVID-19 and the health of your child
We know that this is a scary and challenging for parents who are worried about their child and family's wellbeing.
We've gathered information and resources to help you answer some questions and provide some reassurance as we face this challenge.
Resources
HealthyWA
HealthyWA has daily updates and information about Coronavirus for the Western Australian community.
Department of Health, Western Australia
The Department of Health includes the latest information and impacts on health across the state.
Department of Health, Australian Government
The Australian Government has information on how they are responding to the outbreak, and what you can do to reduce the spread.
Frequently asked questions
What are the symptoms of Coronavirus?
Coronavirus can cause a range of symptoms. Symptoms can range from mild illness to severe pneumonia. Affected people may experience:
- fever of 37.5C or above OR fever in the last few days (for example, night sweats or chills)
- have acute respiratrory symptoms (for example, coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose)
- sudden loss of smell or taste.
Who is at risk?
People who live in, have recently travelled to countries where the virus is circulating, or have had close contact with a confirmed case may be at risk of becoming unwell.
Some people may be at higher risk of severe infection, including the elderly and those with some pre-existing medical conditions. What currently know is that Coronavirus infection in children appears to be milder than in adults.
What is considered ‘close contact’ with a confirmed Coronavirus case?
A close contact is defined as:
- Greater than 15 minutes face-to-face contact, in any setting, with a confirmed case OR
- Sharing of a closed space with a confirmed case for a prolonged period (e.g. More than two hours).
What should I do if my child becomes unwell and has symptoms of COVID-19?
If your child has been overseas or has had close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, and develops a fever, cough, or sore throat, please seek medical attention by calling the Coronavirus Information Line on 1800 020 080.
If your child has not travelled overseas, or has not been in close contact with someone who has been tested and diagnosed with Coronavirus in the past 14 days and yet you are still concerned, please call your GP or the Coronavirus Information Line on 1800 020 080.
What can I do to protect myself and my children?
The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is by practising good hand hygiene and sneeze/cough etiquette. This includes:
Washing your hands
Frequently washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand gel. Here's how to wash your hands properly.
Try not to touch your mouth and nose
If you need to cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a paper tissue or flexed elbow – throw the tissue immediately after use and wash your hands.
Stay away from people who are sick
Avoid close contact with anyone if you, or they, have a cold or flu-like symptoms (maintain a distance of at least 1.5 metres).
Read the full detail on COVID-19 on Healthy WA.