Staff Memo 22-12-2022

CRITICAL COVID UPDATE

NWSS COVID-19 UPDATE:

Due to the increase in the number of COVID-19 positive cases currently being recorded in Tasmania, the Tasmanian Health Department has increased the risk level from low to medium.

Considering this, it is timely we give an update on NWSS response to managing possible infection in relation to the vulnerable people we support.

NWSS follows best practise advice given by Tasmanian Health Department, Communities Tasmania, COVID Emergency Coordination Centre and WorkSafe Tasmania.

Please ensure both staff and clients are up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations.

COVID-19 POSITIVE DIRECTIONS

Staff:

  • Inform your service coordinator
  • Inform the service coordinator of when and where you last worked
  • Do not go to work
  • Follow Health Department’s guidelines
  • Staff can leave isolation after 5 days but NWSS clients are considered a high-risk cohort and staff are not able to return to work until after day 7
  • The criteria for these time frames recommend the person leaving isolation must be free from cold and flu symptoms and have a normal temperature range in the previous 24 hours

Shared Home Client:

  • Clients will move to 7-day isolation requirements
  • An email will be sent outlining the steps to take to move clients and house into emergency response
  • Staff are required to read the guide and follow instructions accordingly
  • Roster coordinators and Service coordinators will work to reduce the numbers of staff working in the isolation response team to reduce the risk of infection spreading and depletion of teams
  • If you are providing support at this time, it is advised once you leave work you do not enter high risk environments and wear a mask when mixing with others
  • For clients in share home accommodation, the 7-day isolation criteria remain
  • The criteria for these time frames recommend the person leaving isolation must be free from cold and flu symptoms and have a normal temperature range in the previous 24 hours

Individual Clients:

  • Your service coordinator will inform you if a client in the individual contracts tests positive for COVID-19
  • Your service coordinator will direct you in regards to the support NWSS will provide the client over this time
  • The people NWSS supports who live alone can leave isolation after day 5 but may not be able to return to a day service until after day 7.  A call to the relevant service provider for clarification will be required
  • The criteria for these time frames recommend that the person leaving isolation must be free from cold and flu symptoms and have a normal temperature range in the previous 24 hours

CLOSE CONTACT DIRECTIONS

Staff:

  • Inform your service coordinator
  • Inform your service coordinator of when and where you last worked
  • Follow Tasmanian Health Department guidelines
  • Immediately have a COVID-19 test
  • If you are displaying any symptoms do not go to work
  • If you are not displaying symptoms undertake a RAT half an hour prior to your shift
  • Send a photo of the results to the service coordinator or person on call before entering your shift
  • Wear N95 mask at all times and full PPE when not able to appropriately social distance

Clients:

  • Service coordinator will inform the support teams if a client is considered a close contact
  • Inform service coordinator if the client displays any symptoms
  • Client will undertake a RAT if they are able
  • Service coordinator will direct any change in supports if required

Travel Guide:

  • When traveling in a sedan only 2 people each trip
  • When traveling in vans only 3 people each trip
  • Masks are to be worn by staff at all times and clients if they are able
  • Vehicle cleaning guide is to be followed after each trip

Preventing the spread of infection cleaning guides are to be followed at all times.

Masks are to be worn indoors at all times and in all environments if social distancing is not possible.

Doors and windows should be open whenever possible to encourage fresh air flow in homes and vehicles.

Tasmanian Public Health website will provide updates and should be checked on a regular basis.

Please contact your Service Coordinator or any member of the Management Team if you have any questions

Neal Rodwell — General Manager
North West Support Services — 0418 140 000