Please find the following updates and information on the current restrictions and requirements for Mercy Connect facilities. Whilst there are not many changes since our last communication, it is important that all staff are aware of the current restrictions for residential disability care facilities (RDCF).
COVID-19 Vaccination – Mandatory Boosters
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.
If you have not already done so, all staff are required to submit evidence of their 3rd dose of a COVID-19 vaccination to Rochelle Taylor, Payroll Officer Rochelle.taylor@mercyconnect.org.au by Tuesday 5 April 2022.
Staff who have not yet had three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine should undertake regular Rapid Antigen Testing (for example twice per week for a full-time staff member). Staff who have had three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine do not need to have regular Rapid Antigen Tests.
PCR Tests should not be used for asymptomatic surveillance of staff or residents where there has been no exposure or outbreak.
Staff must not enter the facility at all if they:
- Are unable to provide evidence of having received at least three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine OR if the person has received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and it’s not after the later of the following;
- 12 April 2022 or
- 6 weeks from the due date for the person’s third dose (the due date is 13 weeks after the person’s second dose).
COVID-19 National Guidelines for Public Health Units
Please click here to view guidelines outlining the release from isolation criteria, which can be found on pages 18-33.
Key points:
- Recovered participants / staff do not now need to test for 12 weeks after recovering.
- Recovered participants / staff returning to a high-risk setting, do not need to isolate for additional time.
Together we grow
Trent Dean
Chief Executive Officer