Home Care Assistance SE Melbourne COVID-19 update 9 March 2020

This communication is intended to provide guidance to our clients, their families

and our community regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) spread, current response

and actions put in place.

What we know about the virus:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person

to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified

during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

Areas are most impacted by the virus.

The Australian government has issued the following advisory list for countries with

heightened corona virus risks.

China and Iran – to ‘do not travel’;

South Korea - to 'Reconsider your need to travel';

Japan, Italy and Mongolia – to ‘exercise a high degree of caution’.

The Home Care Assistance response to COVID-19

The situation is changing quickly, and we continue to follow the guidelines put out by the

Australian Government and the department of Health. Most of our clients are

particularly vulnerable older adults who face greater risk of complications in the event of

a COVID-19 transmission.

Based on the information available at this time, we are taking the following precautions

to protect our clients and care workers:

• We will not place any care worker who has symptoms of illness on duty

• All care workers and staff have received information regarding COVID-19, safety

protocols, travel reporting requirements, and prevention advice – including

proper handwashing techniques, respiratory etiquette, and warning signs of

illness

• We will not place any care worker who has travelled to a location on the

advisory list in the past two months for a minimum of 14 days or until cleared by a

medical provider

• We will not place any care worker who has been exposed to a facility where COVID-

19 is being treated for a minimum of 14 days or until cleared by a medical

provider

We will practice Open Disclosure. In the case of a care worker testing positive to

carrying the virus, or is strongly suspected of carrying the virus, we will

immediately notify affected clients and their families.

We ask that any clients or families contact Home Care Assistance immediately in

the case that:

• Clients and their family members with whom they have close contact are infected or being treated for possible infection of COVID-19

• Clients and their family members with whom they have close contact have

travelled to a location on the advisory list.

Our team is available for any client needs with regard to COVID-19 preparation and

prevention. If you need support in obtaining medical supplies or basic necessities

(water, gloves, etc.), please reach out for support. Please note that certain supplies,

such as masks, are highly limited but we will do our best

Additional resources: Please see the attached fact sheet

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Advice for Victorians

www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/information-public-novel-coronavirus

Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.© State of Victoria, February 2020 (2001628)

you e e n a nland h na on o a te e ua y o n u e o nce h na at any t e

– stay home (self-isolate)– avoid public settings.

Do this for 14 days after l (other than when seeking medical care).

you ha e een n close contact th so eone ho has no el co ona us– stay at home– avoid public settings for 14 days after

you last came in to contact with them.

you ha e e e o cou h so e th oat o ha e t ou le eath n– seek medical treatment immediately.

If you need medical treatment

If you are concerned, call the Department of Health and Human Services

Coronavirus hotline 1800 675 398 Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.

Find out more

What else can you do?wash your hands regularly with soap and water

cough into your elbow and sneeze into a tissue

– call before you go and explain that you have recently been in mainland China.

Ten ways to reduce your risk of coronavirus

To receive this publication in an accessible format email COVID-19@dhhs.vic.gov.auAuthorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.© State of Victoria, March 2020 (2001628)

www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirusFind out more

If you are concerned, call the

Coronavirus hotline 1800 675 398 (24 hours) Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only

WASH hands often with soap and running water, for at least 20 seconds. DRY with paper towel or hand dryer.

TRY not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

COVER your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.

ISOLATE yourself at home if you feel sick. If you take medication ensure you have adequate supplies.

PHONE your GP first if you need medical attention. They will tell you what to do.

CONTINUE healthy habits: exercise, drink water, get plenty of sleep, and now is the time to quit smoking. Call the Quitline 137 848.

DON’T wear a face mask if you are well.

BUY an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with over 60 per cent alcohol.

GET the flu shot (available April).

SHAKING HANDS is optional!

Protect yourself and your familyWash your hands regularly

Stay germ free and healthy

Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.© State of Victoria, April 2018 (1803034)

Wet your hands.

Put soap on your hands.

Rub the soap over all parts of your hands for at least 20 seconds.

Rinse your hands under

running water.

Dry your hands thoroughly with disposable paper towel or hand dryer.

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