COVID-19 Update

PERTH, WA – April 28, 2020 – Linear Clinical Research today announced that it will conduct a human trial of a ground-breaking vaccine candidate which is being developed to help the body produce antibodies to fight the deadly coronavirus which causes COVID-19 disease.

See our full statement here

Linear’s clinic remains open. However, some trials have been postponed for the safety of patients and so resources can be devoted to fighting the virus. Any changes to trials as well as the changes listed on this page have been communicated to participants directly. Please contact us directly at contactus@linear.org.au or call us on 1300 546 327 should you have any questions.

Linear Clinical Research is taking strict measures to ensure the health and safety of patients, carers, participants and staff during the Coronavirus pandemic:

Staff are adhering to strict hygiene and cleaning policies according to the WA Health Department’s guidelines.
Visitors to Linear will be required to use social distancing measures, keeping at least 1.5m apart.
All staff that are able to work from home are now doing so
If a staff member falls under any of the attendance restrictions outlined in the next section of this page below, they are not attending Linear.
All staff who are required to work at Linear premises’ are taking temperature checks on arrival, and at the end of their working day.
Any staff members (healthcare worker) who have a fever of 37.5 or higher AND have an acute respiratory infection are being considered a suspect COVID-19 case, meaning they are required to immediately self-quarantine and get tested at a COVID-19 clinic as soon as possible.

Restrictions on attending Linear

There are certain scenarios listed below which will disallow you from attending Linear and therefore participating in a study at this time. These restrictions apply to everyone attending Linear (all participants, patients, staff and visitors).

If you have been in a location where there have been confirmed COVID cases https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus/Locations-visited-by-confirmed-cases You MUST NOT attend Linear until you have discussed this with the Project Team.
If you have been outside of Western Australia in the last 14 days. You MUST NOT attend Linear until you have discussed this with the Project Team.
If you or someone in your household are quarantining within your place of residence, you MUST NOT attend Linear until you have discussed this with the Project Team.
If you have been in close contact with someone who has travelled from interstate or New Zealand in the last 14 days, you must please provide the details as to where that person has travelled from and when you were in contact. You MUST NOT attend Linear until you have discussed this with the Project Team.
If you, or someone living in the same household as you, has had any contact with anyone who had a confirmed case of COVID-19. You MUST NOT attend Linear until at least 14 days after contact with that confirmed case.
If you have any symptoms of being unwell — this may be a fever, feeling lethargic/tired, respiratory symptoms (eg: cough, runny nose, sore throat, difficulty breathing, chest pains) or abdominal symptoms (eg: vomiting, diarrhoea) or any other symptoms that concern you. You MUST NOT attend Linear until a staff member has approved this.
If you have ever been diagnosed with COVID-19, regardless of when the diagnosis was made, or whether your symptoms have resolved. You MUST NOT attend Linear until a staff member has approved this.
In the last 14 days, if you have worked with COVID testing or worked with COVID samples, you MUST NOT attend Linear until a staff member has approved this.

If any of these apply to you, you will need to contact us and speak to someone from Linear before attending your appointment. Please call: 1300 546 327 or book a time for us to call you here.

As per the government directive please be reminded of the importance of social distancing at all times.

DoH information on social distancing
Australian Department of Health (COVID-19)
WA Health Coronavirus (COVID-19) page
Australian Department of Home Affairs (COVID-19)

The Coronavirus Health Information Line can be contacted on 1800 020 080

COVID-19 Screening at Linear

ALL visitors to the Harry Perkins Institute Building – where Linear screening appointments take place

Screening will take place at the Concierge Desk for the following:

COVID-19 symptoms
Travel restrictions
Contact with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19
Should you answer “yes” to any of the questions, you will be directed to the COVID Clinic at C Block.

Screening is also being conducted by Linear at L2 Screening Reception:

Your temperature will also be checked and recorded
Should you answer “yes” to any of the questions, the receptionist will ask you to place on a mask & advise you to attend the COVID-19 Clinic at C Block

ALL participants (and visitors) to B-Block

Are to report to reception and complete a questionnaire and have their temperature checked and recorded.
Should you answer “yes” to any of the questions, the receptionist will ask you to place on a mask & advise you to attend the COVID-19 Clinic at C Block.

What should I expect when I arrive at the clinic?

At Linear Clinical Research, our highest priority is your safety and care. We have been monitoring the COVID-19 crisis since early December and have introduced enhanced personal protection as the infection evolved into a pandemic. This has ensured that the risk from the virus that causes COVID-19 for our patients and staff is minimised. We have implemented social distancing to reduce the risk of viral spread. We have separated our chairs in the waiting room to 1.5m apart. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Have you increased cleaning and safety measures at the clinic?

Yes, we taking every precaution possible above and beyond our already extremely high standards of hygiene and cleaning.

What precautions should I take before attending Linear Clinical Research?

We are advising all patients and carers wanting to attend Linear to not attend the clinic if they have any viral symptoms or have travelled from overseas or from interstate in the last 14 days. We are also only allowing one other person to attend with the patient at one time and no children under 16 are to be brought into the clinic unless they are the patient.

How are you protecting cancer and other vulnerable patients?

We are putting in place plans to deliver drugs to patients’ homes so they can stay safe in their own homes, while still maintaining their level of care and treatment.

Are you wearing masks at the clinic?

No. The World Health Organisation does not recommend the routine use of masks except under specific circumstances. Masks should only be worn by anyone experiencing COVID 19 symptoms, or anyone at high risk of developing COVID 19.

Should I postpone my appointment?

If you are well and do not fall under any of the attendance restrictions listed on this page, then there is no reason to postpone your appointment. However, we recommend you do postpone your appointment if you fall under the attendance restrictions listed on this page.

Where are you getting your updates from?

We monitor advice regularly and observe the official guidance from the federal government here:
https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert.

Restrictions on attending Linear

COVID-19 Screening at Linear

FAQs

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