Tuesday 27 July 2021
Good afternoon all,
NSW Restrictions
Please be aware that the NSW Government will lift the current lockdown for residents living within the LGAs of Blayney, Cabonne and Orange at 12.01am Wednesday 28 July 2021.
Whilst this is a positive step forward, we continue to urge staff and participants to follow the current rules and advice for regional NSW, especially in the Central West region: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/affected-regions
Orange Day Program will recommence from tomorrow (28 July 2021), in line with the usual timetable.
Family and guardians are now permitted to enter Mercy Connect owned / operated facility or accommodation in Orange; however other external visitors will not be permitted to enter unless approval has been given by the CEO Office, or Ms Caroline Cummins (Executive Leader – Clinical Services). All visitors must complete a COVID-19 Declaration / Questionnaire form prior to the visit and returned it to reception@mercyconnect.org.au.
Staff are reminded not to enter any Mercy Connect facilities or sites if they:
- Have been to any reported exposure sites
- Have visited the Greater Sydney region (including Nepean Blue Mountains, Wollongong, Shellharbour, Illawarra and Central Coast) in the previous 14 days; or,
- Have visited the Greater Melbourne region in the last 7 days; or,
- Have any COVID-19 symptoms – fever (37. 5°C or higher) or symptoms of COVID-19; or,
- Are a close contact of a person with confirmed COVID-19 and are within their self-isolation period; or,
- Live in a household with a person who is currently self-isolating; or,
- Are waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test.
Face Masks
All Mercy Connect staff and external visitors are still required to wear face masks when working with participants in any setting / location, until further notice. Any staff requests for exemptions to the Mercy Connect-specific restrictions must be referred to Ms Caroline Cummins or the CEO Office.
QR Code
Mercy Connect has transitioned to using the NSW service QR System, and reminders staff that it is compulsory that all staff and approved visitors sign in at Mercy Connect facilities / sites using the QR Code. The electronic system is a legal requirement and highly important for contact tracing. If any staff / visitor is unable to check in with the QR code then there will be a paper-based alternative.
Victorian Restrictions
The Victorian Government will lift the current lockdown restrictions at 12.01am Wednesday 28 July, although restrictions are still in place that restricts Albury / NSW residents from entering the state. For NSW employees that require to enter Victoria for participant activities / medical appointments, a letter confirming your employment and essential service can be provided. Please contact the CEO Office rosie.busuttil@mercyconnect.org.au if you require this letter during this restriction.
Please note that this latest COVID-19 outbreak is an evolving situation, and further restrictions may be put into place without prior consultation or warning, subject to government advice or alerts.
Together we grow.
Regards,
Trent Dean
Chief Executive Officer