Friday 12 February 2021
Good afternoon,
Please find the following information providing staff with an update on the COVID-19 pandemic.
Victorian Update
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has confirmed that all Victorians will soon be under Stage 4 restrictions following the increasing number of COVID-19 cases linked to the Holiday Inn outbreak.
The increase in Victorian cases relates to the UK strain / UK variant of concern of COVID-19 which is hyper-infectious and transmits more readily between people.
The whole of Victoria will enter Stage 4 restrictions from 11.59pm tonight Friday (12 February 2021), until 11.59pm on Wednesday (17 February 2021).
Victorians will only be allowed to leave their homes for four reasons:
1) shopping for essentials;
2) giving care;
3) essential work and education; and
4) and exercise with household members only.
Disability support work is still classified as being ‘essential’, so please ensure that you are wearing your uniform, and have your Mercy Connect staff identification card with you at all times when travelling to, and from, work, and throughout your rostered shift.
Mercy Connect staff are strongly advised to:
– Not enter or visit any known identified hotspots, including the greater
Melbourne region.
– Stay at home, if experiencing any cold / flu symptoms.
– Call the dedicated COVID-19 hotline (Open 24 hours, 7 days – 1800 020
080) if you suspect you may have COVID-19.
NSW Update
NSW Health is currently attempting to locate thousands of people who they may have come into contact with the highly contagious UK variant of COVID-19.
An alert was issued just before 12.30pm on Friday urging more than 7000 people who attended areas of concern in Victoria to isolate immediately.
Border Check Point Closures
There is no updated information regarding any future Border Check Points or closures between NSW and Victoria, although the Victorian Permit System still remains. For updated information on the Victoria Permit System visit https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/victorian-travel-permit-system
Contract Tracing
Businesses and organisations that collect accurate and complete details of their visitors and staff make contact tracing more efficient and help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Mercy Connect is required to keep a digital record of all visitors at each site. Please continue to use the QR check in at our facilities and homes. If you are unable to check in electronically, there will be a manual sheet available.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
A reminder to all staff, that wearing of masks remain mandatory for staff whilst with our participants. Remember, the best ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 continue to be:
– practicing physical distancing and avoid crowds
– washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap, or an alcohol-based
hand-rub
– coughing or sneezing into your elbow or tissue
– staying home if unwell.
You should also wear a mask if you:
– have any symptoms and are seeking medical care
– are going to get tested
– are in the same room as another person when you have symptoms or
have been asked to self-isolate.
For more information on the current restrictions for Victoria visit https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
Further staff and family updates will be provided in due course, as we receive updates on this evolving situation.
Thank you everyone for your continued vigilance and efforts to keep our participants and staff safe during this time.
Together we grow.
Trent Dean
Chief Executive Officer