Dear Family and Guardians,
With reports of confirmed and active COVID-19 cases within our regions, it is regretful to confirm that Albury will once again be in lockdown, commencing from 6pm 16 September 2021, as declared by the NSW Government this morning.
This latest lockdown will be for seven days (until 6pm 23 September), however the government has advised that it may be extended beyond that initial end date.
Orange remains under ‘stay at home’ orders.
In response to this urgent and escalating situation, I would like everyone within our Mercy Connect family to be aware of the return to the following restrictions now being actioned:
Day Program and Accommodation Services:
- All Mercy Connect Day Programs, across all sites, will remain closed until further notice. It is likely that all Day Program staff will continue to work a 10am-3pm shift from a shared / group home, instead of their usual place of work.
- Mercy Connect owned / managed homes will remain closed to the public until further notice.
- This includes, but is not limited to, family members / carers, external contractors and suppliers. Exceptions to this directive will be at the discretion of the CEO Office and Executive Leader – Clinical Services.
- Participants will not be permitted to attend any external Day Program facilities / activities during this time, with Day Program activities only to be offered within the Mercy Connect owned / operated home.
- Participants of shared (group) homes may individually travel outside (with only one Mercy Connect staff member), whilst maintaining social distancing practices / wearing a mask (unless a mask exemption applies), only for the following ‘essential’ reasons shopping for essential items, medical care, and outdoor exercise.
- Individual participants living in single accommodation may travel outside (with only one Mercy Connect staff member or one participant’s family member), whilst maintaining social distancing practices / wearing a mask (unless a mask exemption applies), only for the following ‘essential’ reasons shopping for essential items, medical care, and outdoor exercise.
Corporate and Central West Offices:
- Both Albury (St John’s / Thurgoona) and Orange (Illamatta Way) offices will remain closed to the public. This includes, but is not limited to, participants, family members / carers, external contractors and suppliers. Exceptions to this directive will be at the discretion of the CEO Office.
Please note that these decisions have not been taken lightly, with participant and staff health and safety of paramount concern at this time.
We understand, during these tiresome times, that it may be difficult to keep up-to-date with the latest restrictions. We are trying to keep all channels of communication open as much we can.
Please be advised that all staff and families / guardians’ communication are available on our website https://mercyconnect.org.au/ and through Mercy Connect social media pages i.e. Facebook and Instagram.
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us on 02 6043 3500 or enquiries@mercyconnect.org.au
Together we grow.
Trent Dean
Chief Executive Officer