COVID-19 Continuity
Plan
Updated October 2021
Drake Medox are monitoring the global COVID-19 situation and are working through what that means for our business in this ever-changing landscape. The health and safety of our employees, as well as our clients and candidates are of the utmost importance to us, so we need to ensure that precautionary measures are taken. If you have any questions, please feel free to call our Drake Medox branches directly or call our national number 1300 360 070. The most up-to-date Australian Federal Government information and COVID-19 guidelines can be found at: https://www.australia.gov.au/news-and-updates.
Need access to important COVID-19 information in another language? Explore a list of resources about COVID-19 in 68 languages. The resources include fact sheets, guidelines and other publications: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/translated-coronavirus-covid-19-resources. The Australian Government also has available financial support for people affected by the latest COVID-19 lockdown. CLICK HERE to see if you qualify for financial payment for lost income because of your local public health order.
VICTORIAN UPDATE
VACCINATIONS REQUIREMENTS FOR AUTHORISED PROVIDERS AND AUTHORISED WORKERS
The Victorian Government has announced its intention to introduce mandatory vaccination requirements for authorised providers and authorised workers who are not working from home.
All workers - in Melbourne and regional Victoria - on an Authorised Worker list who cannot work at home will require their first COVID-19 vaccine dose by Friday, 15 October 2021.
From 26 November 2021, the requirement will increase to having had two doses or a medical exemption.
To book a vaccination through state-run centres – or to see links for how to book at your local GP or pharmacy – visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine
PROOF OF COVID IMMUNISATION
All authorised workers will need to carry proof at all times of their COVID immunisation. Everyone can secure an immunisation history statement or a COVID-19 digital certificate to show proof of vaccinations. How you provide proof depends on your situation. Use the link below to explore the various ways you can access your immunisation records:
DRAKE VACCINATION INFORMATION REQUEST FORM
Drake will soon be releasing a Vaccination Information Request Form to record Vaccination records for all Drake's casual workers. This will be sent to each casual worker in the short term.
EXPOSURE SITES
A most up-to-date list of potential Victorian exposure sites can be found at: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/exposure-sites
FINANCIAL AND OTHER SUPPORT
You may be entitled to Government financial assistance and other support services at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/financial-and-other-support-coronavirus-covid-19
NEW SOUTH WALES UPDATE
AUTHORISED WORKER PERMIT
From 12:01am, Saturday 28 August 2021, you'll need a permit to register your travel if you're:
- an authorised worker from a local government area of concern and need to leave the area for work, or
- a worker entering a local government area of concern.
The NSW Authorised Worker Permit is now available and is mandatory for all Authorised Workers from 12.01am Saturday 28 August 2021. Please view whether you are from a local area of concern, and if so, you must complete the permit: Register your travel within NSW | Service NSW. For detailed instructions on How to apply for a NSW Authorised Worker Permit as a Drake casual, please click on the button below:
View here the list of workers authorised to travel outside their local government areas of concern if they are required to leave home for work.
PROOF OF COVID IMMUNISATION
It is a mandated NSW Government Health requirement that all authorised workers will need to carry proof at all times of their COVID immunisation as of the 28th of August, 2021. Everyone can secure an immunisation history statement or COVID-19 digital certificate to show proof of vaccinations. How you get proof depends on your situation. Below are some helpful links to reference to ensure you have access to your immunisation records irrespective of your circumstances:
Get proof of your COVID-19 vaccinations if you’re not eligible for Medicare - Services Australia
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
The Australian Government also has available financial support for people affected by the latest COVID-19 lockdown. Click here to see if you qualify for financial payment for lost income because of your local public health order. We will be updating this page regularly as soon as new information comes to hand.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Wash your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Hand sanitizers have been to each client’s home to support infection control.
Maintain social distancing
Maintain at least 1.5 metres distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Why? If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth.
Practice respiratory hygiene
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. Follow the hand and hygiene guidelines distributed throughout our client’s homes.
Stay home
We all need to do our part to reduce the spread by reducing our community exposure. Only essential outings such as work, groceries and exercise are important.
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority, and notify your Medox consultant immediately.
Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider
Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority on COVID-19.
Face Masks
Wearing of a face mask protects you and your community by providing an additional physical barrier to coronavirus (COVID-19). Please ensure you are wearing face coverings when advised by your local public health authority. Mask wearing will be mandatory when outside your home, except when exercising.
FAQ
How are we Limiting Exposure and Spread?
We are liaising with Allied Health teams, medical professionals and families of clients to mitigate risks for each client which includes reducing community exposure, social distancing, and improving infection control regime for specific ‘high risk’ clients. All candidates must also complete some additional screening in the interview process using a COVID-19 Health Questionnaire and Risk Assessment.
What if a staff member becomes unwell or symptomatic, concerned they have come in contact with a COVID-19 positive, or suspected COVID-19 person?
If a staff member becomes unwell or symptomatic, concerned they have come in contact with a COVID-19 positive, or suspected COVID-19 person. The instructions are as follows:
- Step 1 Contact their consultant immediately on 1300 360 070
- Step 2 The Drake Medox consultant will instruct them to call the COVID-19 hotline for their respective state (VIC 1800 675 398). This hotline will assist in screening the staff member and give appropriate advice.
- Step 3 If the staff member is told to self-quarantine for safety; the staff member will call their consultant and Drake Medox will work on replacing their remaining shifts with the client until further notice.
- Step 4 All affected parties will be informed.
What if a staff member tests positive for COVID-19, the instructions are:
- Step 1 Contact Drake Medox consultant immediately on 1300 360 070
- Step 2 Drake Medox will advise them to self-quarantine immediately.
- Step 3 Drake Medox will inform the client, NOK/Guardian, the funding provider immediately.
- Step 4 Inform every staff member on the program and advise to self-quarantine until further notice.
- Step 5 Drake Medox will attempt to provide a replacement team to provide continuation of care to the client, however, this will be determined after seeking advice from relevant government authorities. In the event that we provide a new support team, they may or may not be known to the client.
- Step 6 If Government authorities advise to self- isolate all parties, refer to client hospital protocol
- Step 7 If Hospital admission is unavailable, family support will be required.
Drake Medox will continue to support the client and their families in quarantine and liaise with Allied Health teams to monitor their conditions and symptoms closely.
What happens if a client becomes unwell or symptomatic, concerned they have come in contact with a COVID-19 positive, or suspected COVID-19 person?
The instructions are as follows:
- Step 1 Contact the Drake Medox consultant immediately on 1300 360 070
- Step 2 Drake Medox will instruct the client to call the COVID-19 hotline for their respective state. This hotline will assist in screening the client and give appropriate advice.
- Step 3 If the client is informed to self-quarantine, they will call their Drake Medox consultant immediately.
- Step 4 Drake Medox will inform NOK/Guardian, staff, funding provider, allied health team and provide an update. Each client may have individual emergency quarantine plans however, in the cases where the client has informal supports such as family & friends to assist in their care – the family will then provide support to the client in their homes.
Drake Medox will continue to support the client and their families in quarantine and liaise with Allied Health teams to monitor their conditions and symptoms closely.
What happens if the client tests positive for COVID-19?
- Step 1 Contact the Drake Medox consultant immediately on 1300 360 070
- Step 2 Drake Medox will inform NOK/Guardian, staff, funding provider, allied health team and provide an update.
- Step 3 Each client will have an individual emergency quarantine plan specific to their needs.
What If the client does not have any informal supports?
In the event the client does not have any informal supports – Drake Medox will work with the funding agency and the client to transition into a hospital setting if appropriate and necessary.
Will I get paid sick leave if I'm sick?
The Australian Government has available financial support for people affected by the latest COVID-19 lockdown. CLICK HERE to see if you qualify for financial payment for lost income because of your local public health order.
Face Masks
Who needs to wear a mask?
In a COVID outbreak in your state or territory, masks are typically mandatory indoors and outdoors. The recent rise in community transmission of COVID-19 in Australia means some states and territories are recommending or require the use of masks.
Drake Medox’s non-negotiable employee rules and requirements with COVID-19:
The following are mandatory requirements for all temporary staff who work for Drake:
|
Your Obligation |
Mandatory Requirement |
|
You must not attend work if you are feeling ill. |
√ |
|
You must not attend work if you have been in contact with someone who is confirmed as having Covid-19. |
√ |
|
If you are ill or in contact with someone who is confirmed as having COVID-19: you must not return to work until you have had a COVID test and have received a negative result. You must provide that negative result to Drake before returning to work. |
√ |
|
In the event that you are confirmed as having COVID-19: you must self-isolate until public health officers tell you it’s safe to return to normal activities. You must provide a copy of the positive test to Drake and of your subsequent negative test result confirming you no longer have the virus. |
√ |
|
You must comply with all government laws requiring you to wear a face mask. This includes correct placement of the mask on your face to ensure it covers your nose and mouth. |
√ |
|
You must comply with all government Stay at Home requirements. |
√ |
|
You must comply with all government social distancing requirements |
√ |
|
You must complete the COVID-19 Health Check each night if supplied to you by Drake. |
√ |
|
You must hand sanitise prior to entering Drake’s premises. |
√ |
|
You must practice social distancing when on Drake’s premises. |
√ |
|
You must adhere to all government laws (state and federal) regarding Covid-19 |
√ |
|
You must adhere to all Drake and Client Work Health and Safety policies and procedures. |
√ |