The AHPPC considers that, based on the limited current evidence, the following people are, or are likely to be, at higher risk of serious illness if they are infected with the virus:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 50 years and older with one or more chronic medical conditions
People 65 years and older with chronic medical conditions. Conditions included in the definition of ‘chronic medical conditions’ will be refined as more evidence emerges. The most current list can be accessed on the Department of Health website here.
People 70 years and older
People with compromised immune systems (see Department of Health website here)
There is currently limited evidence regarding the risk in pregnant women.
The AHPPC recommends that where vulnerable workers undertake essential work, a risk assessment must be undertaken. Risk needs to be assessed and mitigated with consideration of the characteristics of the worker, the workplace and the work. This includes ensuring vulnerable people are redeployed to non-customer-based roles where possible. Where risk cannot be appropriately mitigated, employers and employees should consider alternate arrangements to accommodate a workplace absence.

The AHPPC recommends that essential workers who are at higher risk of serious illness, where the risk cannot be sufficiently mitigated, should not work in high risk settings.

In essence this means that any nurse, midwife or care worker that fits the above criteria of being at higher risk of illness, for example immunosuppressed as well as pregnant (under the transfer to a safe job), should be offered alternate work environments if they are likely to be working in a high risk area for COVID-19 (e.g. a hot area or COVID-19 clinic, etc.). Alternatively, where possible work from home should be supported. Advice is available here.