Please find the following updates and information on the current restrictions and requirements for Mercy Connect facilities. Whilst we enter the next phase of easing restrictions, I urge all staff and visitors to Mercy Connect to be vigilant in adhering to social distancing practices, good hygiene and to stay at home if unwell or displaying symptoms.
On 1 March 2022 the NSW Government updated its advice to residential disability care facilities to include the requirement for workers to have 3 doses of a COVID-19 vaccination.
From 12 April 2022 disability workers can only enter a facility if they:
- have received at least 3 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
-
It is 6 weeks from the due date of the person’s third dose (due date is 13 weeks after the persons second dose).
If you have not already done so, please submit evidence of your 3rd dose of a COVID-19 vaccination to Rochelle Taylor, Payroll Officer Rochelle.taylor@mercyconnect.org.au by Tuesday 5 April 2022.
Masks
A reminder that all staff and visitors are required to wear masks in high-risk settings including in Disability Care Facilities. This includes homes, corporate offices and when providing support to participants.
A staff member or visitor may remove their mask:
- while communicating with another person who is deaf or hard of hearing.
- if wearing a mask creates a risk to health and safety.
- where clear enunciation or visibility of the mouth is essential.
- when the removal of a face mask is necessary for the provision of a good or service.
- Anyone removing a mask for one of these reasons should maintain 1.5m distance from others wherever possible.
- If a person is required to wear a mask but cannot because of a disability, physical or mental health illness or condition, they must carry either;
- a medical certificate or letter signed by a registered health practitioner (such as a doctor) or a registered NDIS provider or
- a statutory declaration.
Visitors
Group Homes (Albury and Central West)
Visits to Mercy Connect Group homes remain in line with the NSW Health directives.
- A maximum of two visitors per resident per day aged 12 and above.
- All visitors aged 12 years and over should be fully vaccinated (unless in exceptional circumstances for visiting an RDCF). Visitors should get a booster dose as soon as they are eligible for one and have a negative Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) prior to each visit.
- Visitors must have valid proof of vaccination.
Corporate Offices (Albury and Central West)
Corporate Offices at both locations remain open to visitors with the current provisions:
- All visitors to complete a COVID Declaration. Completed declarations are to be submitted to Debbie White at reception@mercyconnect.org.au .
- All visitors must provide valid proof of vaccination or exemption.
- All visitors must follow current PPE requirements i.e., face masks to be worn at all times when indoors.
Flu Vaccine Program
The Flu Vaccine Program has commenced again this year at Chemist Warehouse for Mercy Connect staff located in Albury. The Flu Vaccine Program for Central West will be confirmed soon.
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. Chemist Warehouse will be using the 2022 quadrivalent vaccine from mid-March for the flu immunisation service.
Please follow the below steps:
- Please contact Debbie at reception@mercyconnect.org.au or call 02 6043 3500 to receive a voucher. You must obtain a voucher before proceeding to step 2.
- Click here to make a booking.
- Type in your postcode to show your nearest participating pharmacy.
- Select the date and time you would like to book.
- Enter in your contact details (email, phone number, name, DOB, Medicare, address, etc.).
- The voucher location for 2022 can be entered by selecting “Voucher” from the drop down “discounted by” box under each attendee. This will allow Chemist Warehouse to accurately identify which customer in each booking has used each voucher.
- Under “Got a voucher code? Add it here”. Type in your code, click ‘Apply’ and continue with your booking details.
Together we grow.
Caroline Cummins
Acting Chief Executive Officer