Please find the following updates and information on COVID-19 (correct at the time of this publication) outlining the current restrictions and requirements for Mercy Connect facilities. I urge all staff and visitors to Mercy Connect to remain vigilant and adhere to social distancing practices and good hygiene. Please stay at home if you are feeling unwell or displaying any cold or flu-like symptoms.
This update will cover the following:
COVID-19 – 4th Booster shot now available
The Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation has recommended all Australians aged 50 and over take a fourth dose of Covid vaccines. ATAGI has also recommended that for Australians between 30 and 49, who may want to take a fourth dose, will be able to do so from Monday 11 July 2022.
The flu is the most common vaccine-preventable illness in Australia.
The flu is a highly contagious viral infection. It may be mild in some, but it can cause very serious illness, hospitalisation and even death in otherwise healthy people. It is especially serious for babies, people aged over 65 years, people with underlying medical conditions and pregnant women.
Immunisation is a safe and effective way to help protect you from the flu. By getting immunised, you also help protect those that are too ill or too young to be immunised and help slow the spread of the disease.
It is important to get the flu vaccine every year. The virus strains that cause the flu change each year and the vaccine changes each year to match these strains.
Free flu vaccinations will be available to all NSW residents over the age of 6 months until the 17th of July to boost immunity for the winter season
Make an appointment with your GP or pharmacist to get vaccinated.
If you would like to learn more about the free flu vaccinations please visit;
- NSW residents – https://www.nsw.gov.au/health/influenza
Face masks and PPE are to be worn by staff and visitors as per the following:
- In corporate offices.
- For Community Inclusion (Day Program) and accommodation supports during both indoor and outdoor activities.
- Additional PPE for personal care and other close contact personal activities is required but not for general activities.
- Participants who are able to, are to be encouraged to wear face masks when they leave their home.
- Participants who are able to, are to wear masks while travelling in a vehicle.
- Staff must wear masks while in vehicles with participants / other staff.
- These simple steps can help to protect yourself and the community.
- Clean your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing or use your elbow, not your hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are unwell with cold or flu-like symptoms, and stay home if you have symptoms. https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/health-and-wellbeing/symptoms-and-testing
- Avoid touching your face and avoid shaking hands with others.
- Try to maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from others and avoid crowded places.
Together we grow.
Trent Dean
Chief Executive Officer