Please see the Victorian COVID-19 hub for more Q&As.

Q:  How does the Victorian roadmap for reopening impact day services?

A:  Disability services are considered 'restricted' in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria during Step 3 and the last step of the roadmap to reopening. This will continue to mean that only services that are essential to a person’s health, safety, behaviour or wellbeing can operate during this time. 

For centre-based disability day services, this means that supports can be provided if essential to a person with disability, and where online services are not practical.  This would apply where people are living in their own / family home etc. Where essential centre-based services are operating indoors it is critical that physical distancing and appropriate hygiene measures are in place. Centre-based services are not considered essential for people living in disability residential services.

This is expected to remain the advice until we reach COVID Normal.

Q: Will 'heavily restricted' and 'restricted' be more or less the same in practical terms for our sector?

A: COVID safe principles and restrictions will continue to apply across disability services to ensure the safety of people with disability. At all steps of the roadmap, people with disability, like the rest of the Victorian community, will have increased opportunity for social interaction and activities outdoors. This is because COVID-19 doesn’t transmit as easily outdoors.

Q: If a resident has tested positive should they be hospitalised?

A: It depends on whether the resident’s clinical condition requires hospital care.  Most people have mild symptoms.  However. if the client has significant breathing problems or is rapidly deteriorating, a transfer will be needed.  It is much better for people with mild symptoms to stay out of hospitals where it can be very disorienting and alarming. Visitors are not allowed which increases isolation, and hospital staff may not be aware or able to provide the support needed.  There may be a case for moving a COVID positive client to another location (e.g. another facility) if the care will be better or the risk of infecting other clients will be reduced.  This decision needs to be taken on a case by case basis and whether suitable alternative accommodation is available.

Q: What PPE should I wear when supporting clients who do not have COVID-19 risk factors (i.e. suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case, or close contact of a confirmed case?

A: When supporting clients who do not have COVID-19 risk factors, and when providing non-contact support where you may be close at times you are required to wear a surgical mask and protective eyewear (safety glasses, goggles or face shield)

If you need to protect your clothing (E.g., during washing, showering, feeding, artwork, cooking) wear a suitable apron.

Use of additional PPE is required when there is close contact or exposure to blood, body fluids, mucous membranes (nose or mouth) or wounds of any kind. Activities involving this type of contact require workers to wear disposable gloves and disposable fluid repellent gown along with their surgical mask and protective eyewear (safety glasses, goggles or face shield).

Please see PPE for community service providers for more detailed info