New COVID-19 Taskforce at the Agency

This new taskforce will look over the horizon to focus innovators on solving the problems of next month and next year, rather than the problems of yesterday and today.

As we face a global pandemic that is unrivalled in living memory, the Agency is supporting national efforts through the formation of the COVID-19 Taskforce to champion innovation and accelerate digital health adoption in Australia. Three themes have been identified that are important for Australia’s recovery plans and will also embed digital health in longer term health management. Clear advice to help Australians navigate digital health services will be provided. The themes are:

• Digital clinical care – accessing healthcare during an emergency and/or recovery period
• Digital social care – access to digital health solutions for community members directly or indirectly impacted by a national emergency or other circumstance
• Digital health population management and future preparedness – how do we improve population health outcomes through digital health solutions to help inform future preparedness, health reform and recovery management

The Agency launched an Innovation Challenge to uncover the most innovative ideas at a time when we need them most. The response rate has been fantastic and updates on the challenge will be provided following the shortlisting process. Watch the Agency social channels for updates.

There are also practical guides to help navigate health services during this challenging time. This includes, for example, getting regular medications while in isolation, what to do if you or a family member gets COVID-19, and what to do if you’re sick or injured with symptoms unrelated to COVID-19; or staying healthy.