NWSS COVID-19 RESPONSE PLAN
With state borders beginning to open up, we need to be well prepared to manage infection surges should they occur.
If any shared home residents show cold or flu symptoms the following are likely to occur:
- The resident will be taken for a test and return home to await the results
- The family members of all residents will be notified by the Service Coordinator
- In the home, social distancing will be followed as much as possible
- The resident being tested will be isolated in their room as much as possible while awaiting test results
- No residents will leave the home while awaiting test results
- No visitors will be allowed while awaiting test results
- Rostered staff will continue to provide support
- All necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided in accordance with the Department of Health’s guidelines
- Deep cleaning will be carried out as per the cleaning guide
- All shopping and medication will be picked up and delivered to the home
Staff movement between the shared home and the outside community:
- Staff should try and keep their movements to between the shared home and their home as much as possible
- Staff should reduce contact with others as much as possible
The evidence is that the more intensely a person sticks to these precautions the better the chance of not contracting or passing on the infection
If there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 Infection:
- Advice will be sought from the Department of Health
- Staff on shift will be requested to remain on shift until further directions
- All PPE will be provided according to the Department of Health’s guidelines
- Staff who work in the home will be notified about the need to self-isolate while awaiting directions from the Department of Health
- The family members of all residents will be notified by the Service Coordinator
- No visitors will be allowed until notified of visiting times, duration and conditions
- An emergency response team from the Department of Health will provide support to the residents during the implementation of the response plan
The detailed Tasmanian Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disability Service Providers Preparedness and Response Plan is available through the following link:
This valuable video, prepared for the aged care sector, is equally applicable to the disability sector.