Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Here is a great video form the Department of Health, about how disability support workers can stay safe from the “Rona” (COVID-19). It demonstrates how to wear personal protective equipment correctly… something we may ALL need to know.

Click here to go to video.

And if you would like to know what safety precautions our support workers are carefully adhering to – click here to see our “Current Procedures” document.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Dept of Health have distributed these handy Storyboards to illustrate how to stay as safe as you can from Coronavirus.

Click here to view them: acqsc_covid-storyboards_combined

Click here to download a handy resource from called “Psychology Support Handbook For Clients and Carers”

Good info on staying safe and a HUGE list of activities you could enjoy from the comfort and safety of home.

Do you want to know how many cases of Coronavirus there have been where you live? Or how many tests have been done where you live?

If you live in NSW – the state Health Dept has this page you can visit.

https://buff.ly/2WagSqV

#statistics #coronavirus #staywell

Do you need more info before you download the COVIDSafe App the government is asking all Australians to download?

Here are some reliable sources of info to help you decide:
DEPT OF HEALTH: https://buff.ly/35szYwV
ABC: https://buff.ly/2y2liby
MACQUARIE UNI: https://buff.ly/3f4942F

#app #covidsafe

Did you get your Flu Vaccination yet??

https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/immunisation/immunisation-services/flu-influenza-immunisation-service

#flu #vaccination #staywell

Did you know there is a new Older Person’s COVID-19 Support Line?

It has been set up to provide information, support and check on older Australians during the period of social distancing measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. COTA Australia, National Seniors, Dementia Australia and the Older Person’s Advocacy Network have banded together to deliver this service with support from the Australian Government.
Senior Australians, their families and carers can freecall 1800 171 866 if they:
• would like to talk with someone about what COVID-19 means for them or a loved ones
• are feeling lonely or distressed
• are caring for a someone and need some information or a listening ear about what COVID-19 means for your circumstances
• are worried about COVID-19 means for their usual aged care service
• are worried about a friend or family member living with dementia.
• are unable to access information on the internet and would like up-to-date advice.
Home care services providers can also use the number and dial option 1 to refer home care clients who would like a call from an independent organisation to check on their wellbeing.
The service will include outbound and inbound calls to provide contact, reassurance and practical advice on connecting to services to maximise social engagement and wellbeing whilst at home.

#coronavirus #agedcare #freecall

A statement in response to the COVID-19 crisis by the Steering Group of the Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People (GAROP)

View the Statement by clicking here

The human rights of older persons must be fully protected in the COVID-19 response

In the global response to COVID-19, it is essential that States protect the rights of older persons on an equal basis with others without discrimination and without exception and in line with international standards.

Older persons already face particular challenges claiming their human rights globally due to
widespread age discrimination and ageism. The gaps in the protection of the rights of older persons within the international human rights system are well-documented, particularly through the work of the UN Open-Ended Working Group on Ageing since 2010ⁱ.

Older persons are at higher risk of mortality and serious illness from COVID-19ⁱⁱ. The public health, economic and social emergency triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic is being intensified by ageism and discrimination against older people globallyⁱⁱⁱ. We see daily reports of alarming cruel and ageist commentaries in relation to this crisis that can cause further harm to older persons at a time when they are already facing significant risks, isolation and stress.

Efforts to address COVID-19 may exacerbate ongoing threats to the rights of older persons, for
example isolation and social exclusion, and the challenges of accessing information, health and social care, and social protection. Stay-at-home and no-visitor policies to contain the spread of the virus are putting some older persons at greater risk of violence, abuse and neglect. Other older persons may be affected disproportionately due to their care and support needs, or underlying health conditions. We are concerned that this pandemic has the potential to exacerbate the entrenched inequalities and disadvantages that older persons experience daily^iv.

It is essential that States and other actors involved in the COVID-19 response put in place measures to ensure that older persons’ human rights are protected on an equal basis with others, without discrimination and without exception. Any decisions to restrict rights and freedoms during this public health emergency must be lawful, necessary and proportionate in line with international standards^v. Arbitrary or discriminatory approaches or decisions on the basis of age are unacceptable. We are also witnessing alarming cases of neglect of older persons living in institutions and the failure to provide them with necessary health, social and palliative care. These practices risk undermining older persons’ right to life and, by implication, rank their lives as being of lesser value than others’.

Decisions about the allocation and prioritisation of scarce medical resources must be made on the basis of medical and scientific evidence and not on non-medical grounds such as age or disability^vi. This will support an ethical and more efficient public health response for all affected by this disease. The views and experiences of older persons themselves must be heard and taken into account in the planning and implementation of responses to COVID-19 that affect them.

Ageism cannot and must not be tolerated.

The impact of COVID-19 and the measures taken in response on older persons’ human rights is proof that a new UN convention is urgently needed to provide the legal clarity and guarantees necessary to fully protect the rights of older persons worldwide.

About GAROP

The Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People (GAROP) is a network of over 350 civil society
organisations from 80 countries working together so that all older people can live free from
discrimination and are able to fully enjoy their rights. We believe a UN convention on the rights of older persons is essential for older people to fully enjoy their rights.

^{i https://social.un.org/ageing-working-group/; https://social.un.org/ageing-workinggroup/
documents/OHCHRAnalyticalOutcomePaperonOldePersonsAugust2012.doc
ii https://www.helpage.org/newsroom/latest-news/studies-confirm-risks-to-older-people-from-coronavirus/;
http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-emergencies/coronavirus-covid-19/statements/statementolder-
people-are-at-highest-risk-from-covid-19,-but-all-must-act-to-prevent-community-spread
iii GAROP ‘In Our Own Words’ report
iv https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25748&LangID=E;
https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/03/19/human-rights-dimensions-covid-19-response
v https://www.icj.org/wp-content/uploads/1984/07/Siracusa-principles-ICCPR-legal-submission-1985-eng.pdf;
https://www.refworld.org/docid/453883fd1f.html; https://www.refworld.org/docid/45139c394.html.
vi https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=25748&LangID=E}

The Department of Health has posted a Fact Sheet we would like to share with you.

Click here to view pdf

Information about routine environmental cleaning and disinfection in the community

25 March 2020

This information sheet should be read in conjunction with the ‘What you need to know’ and‘Isolation guidance’ information sheets at www.health.gov.au/covid19-resources

Cleaning is an essential part of disinfection because dirt and grime can inactivate many disinfectants. Cleaning reduces the amount of dirt and so allows the disinfectant to work. Removal of germs such as the virus that causes COVID-19 requires thorough cleaning followed by disinfection.

The length of time the virus that causes COVID-19 can survive on inanimate surfaces varies depending on factors such as the amount of contaminated body fluid (e.g. respiratory droplets) or soiling present, and environmental temperature and humidity.

Coronaviruses can survive on surfaces for many hours or more but are readily inactivated by cleaning and disinfection. It is good practice to routinely clean surfaces as follows:

• Clean frequently touched surfaces with detergent solution (see diagram below).
• Clean general surfaces and fittings when visibly soiled and immediately after any spillage.

Routine environmental cleaning requirements can be divided into two groups1:

Social contact environments

Social contact environments include (but are not limited to), transport vehicles, shopping centres and private businesses. The risk of transmission of COVID-19 in these settings can be minimised through a good standard of general hygiene. This includes:

• Promoting cough etiquette and respiratory hygiene.
• Routine cleaning of frequently touched hard surfaces with detergent/disinfectant solution/wipe.
• Providing adequate alcohol-based hand rub (sanitiser) for staff and consumers to use. Alcohol-based hand sanitiser stations should be available, especially in areas where food is on display and frequent touching of produce occurs.
• Training staff on use of alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
• Consider signs to ask shoppers to only touch what they intend to purchase.
• Vehicle air-conditioning should be set to fresh air

How can we help prevent the spread of COVID-19?

Hand hygiene is the single most important way to prevent the spread of infection

• Soap and water can be used for hand hygiene at any time and should be used when hands are visibly soiled
• Alcohol-based hand rub (sanitiser) can be used if soap and water are not readily accessible, except when hands are visibly soiled.
• Cleaning hands regularly also helps to reduce environmental contamination.
• Wash your hands before and after eating, and after going to the toilet

Sneeze/cough etiquette and respiratory hygiene is the best defence against respiratory viruses

• cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and dispose of tissue immediately.
• or cough/sneeze into the bend of your elbow.
• wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

Practice physical distancing (stay more than 1.5 metres from people, if possible) and, if unwell, avoid contact with others,

You can find out more about how to stop the spread of COVID-19 at https://www.health.gov.au/news/launch-of-the-coronavirus-covid-19-campaign

More information
While coronavirus is of concern, it is important to remember that most people displaying symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or tiredness are likely suffering with a cold or other respiratory illness—not coronavirus.

For the latest advice, information and resources, go to www.health.gov.au

Call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.

The phone number of each state or territory public health agency is available at www.health.gov.au/state-territory-contacts

If you have concerns about your health, speak to a doctor.

The Department of Health has posted a Fact Sheet we would like to share with you.

Click here to view pdf

Assistance with food and meals for older Australians impacted by COVID-19

31 March 2020

This Fact Sheet is for the information and advice of older Australians. It outlines the support available to you if you are isolated and finding it difficult to access food and basic household items.

Prioritised online ordering
We are working with grocery suppliers on priority access to their online and telephone shopping for older and vulnerable people including if you are registered with My Aged Care.

You can call the My Aged Care contact centre on 1800 200 422 to register for My Aged Care.

Urgent referrals to food and supply service providers
Many Commonwealth funded providers, such as Meals on Wheels, can assist you with access to regular food supplies and prepared meals.

If you are in urgent need of support, the My Aged Care contact centre can refer you directly to these services in your local area. Services can be set up quickly for up to 6 weeks without the need for an assessment. You can also arrange this directly with your provider if you prefer.

Additional support for those most in need
An additional $50 million in funding has been provided for Meals on Wheels and similar services to support older people requiring prepared meals during this difficult time. This is in addition to the $70 million in funding made available to Commonwealth Home Support Providers, including Meals on Wheels, who are facing extra costs as a result of the impact of COVID19. We will also work with commercial providers who have been supporting airlines and the entertainment industry, and now have spare capacity, as well as local catering businesses, particularly in regional areas, to continue operations and support vulnerable older Australians through the CHSP.

Additional support for those crisis
If you are an older Australian in crisis, uncomfortable with, or unable to access the internet to order groceries, and your support networks are unavailable, the My Aged Care contact centre can help.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) 2
To meet immediate needs, people in crisis who are isolated, have no other supports, and are in crisis, will be able to receive assisted access to basic food and groceries. The contact centre will also connect you a service provider to ensure you have the ongoing support you need. An additional $9.3 million in funding to My Aged Care to ensure that they can do this work to support vulnerable older people.

We will provide updated versions of this Fact Sheet when new information comes to hand at www.health.gov.au.

More information on the COVID-19 National Health Plan is available at https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-national-health-plan-resources

Part of Subee Newlakes commitment to providing safe and quality care to our staff and clients is to provide an Infuenza Vaccination Program.  It is also a responsibility of Subee Newlake under the Aged Care Safety and Quality Commission Rules 2018 (The Rules) to ensure that all support workers be influenza vaccinated by 1^st May 2020.

Today Subee Newlake is holding a Flu Vaccination clinic (safely observing Distancing Rules) for our staff in our Coffs office. And all staff, in both Newcastle and Coffs, who are required to get this shot by the end of the month, will be reimbursed for getting their shots if they can’t make it to the free clinic today.

The influenza vaccine is free through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for seniors aged 65 years and over. We encourage you, especially this year, to get your shots as soon as you can.

Vaccination for seniors aged 65 years or over is just as important as it is for children.

Influenza is a very contagious infection of the airways. It is especially serious for people more than 65 years old.

The influenza vaccine is free through the National Immunisation Program (NIP)for seniors aged 65 years and over. The influenza virus strains change every year and the vaccine changes every year to match these strains. That’s why it’s important for people to get the vaccine every year.

Click here for: Don’t take the risk this season: Protect yourself and get the flu vaccine provides information for people about getting vaccinated against influenza, including information on:

• what is influenza
• why and when you should get vaccinated against influenza
• who is eligible for a free influenza vaccine under the National Immunisation Program
• influenza vaccine safety.

Click here for Dept of Health web page full of resources.

Click here to download their brochure about Flu and Flu Vaccine.

24/7 Health Direct 1800 022 222
24/7 National COVID 19 Health Information 1800 020 080

COVID testing clinics

Newcastle:

Belmont Clinic
Croudace Bay Rd, Belmont 02 4923 2000

John Hunter Hospital
Lookout Road, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305
8am – 10pm Mon-Fri (02) 4921 3000

Maitland Hospital
0560 High Street, Maitland NSW 2320 (02) 4939 2000

Calvary Mater Hospital
Edith &, Platt St, Waratah NSW 2298 (02) 4921 1211

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour Health Campus
345 Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 10am -2pm (02) 6656 7000

Kempsey Hospital
119 River Street, Kempsey NSW 2440 8am-12pm (02) 6561 2600

If you have Coronavirus questions, make sure you source answers from a TRUSTED source. There is a lot of rubbish and rumour and fake news right now – just when we don’t need it.

Australia’s Department of Health has a really good page where you can find RELIABLE information.

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-resources

And even a Frequently Asked Questions page, which they are keeping up-to-date.

https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/03/coronavirus-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions_6.pdf

Beyond Blue recognises and understands the feelings of anxiety, distress and concern many people may be experiencing in relation to the coronavirus (COVID-19) and offers the following wellbeing advice.

Try to maintain perspective
While it is reasonable for people to be concerned about the outbreak of coronavirus, try to remember that medical, scientific and public health experts around the world are working hard to contain the virus, treat those affected and develop a vaccine as quickly as possible.

Find a healthy balance in relation to media coverage
Being exposed to large volumes of negative information can heighten feelings of anxiety. While it’s important to stay informed, you may find it useful to limit your media intake if it is upsetting you or your family.

Access good quality information
It’s important to get accurate information from credible sources such as those listed below. This will also help you maintain perspective and feel more in control.

• Australian Government coronavirus (COVID-19) health alert
• Health Direct – Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• smartraveller.gov.au – travel information for Australian citizen
• World Health Organization – coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak

Try to maintain a practical and calm approach
Widespread panic can complicate efforts to manage the outbreak effectively. Do your best to stay calm and follow official advice, particularly around observing good hygiene habits.
The Australian Psychological Society has advice about maintaining positive mental health during the outbreak.

Try not to make assumptions
To contribute to a sense of community wellbeing, try to remember that the coronavirus can affect anyone regardless of their nationality or ethnicity and remember that those with the disease have not done anything wrong.
Managing your mental health while in self-isolation or quarantine
There are a number of ways to support your mental health during periods of self-isolation or quarantine.

• Remind yourself that this is a temporary period of isolation to slow the spread of the virus.
• Remember that your effort is helping others in the community avoid contracting the virus.
• Stay connected with friends, family and colleagues via email, social media, video conferencing or telephone.
• Connect with others via the Beyond Blue forums thread: Coping during the coronavirus outbreak.
• Engage in healthy activities that you enjoy and find relaxing.
• Keep regular sleep routines and eat healthy foods.
• Try to maintain physical activity.
• Establish routines as best possible and try to view this period as a new experience that can bring health benefits.
• For those working from home, try to maintain a healthy balance by allocating specific work hours, taking regular breaks and, if possible, establishing a dedicated work space.
• Avoid news and social media if you find it distressing.

Conversations with children and young people
Families and caregivers of children and young people should discuss news of the virus with those in their care in an open and honest way. Try to relate the facts without causing alarm, and in a way that is appropriate for their age and temperament. It is important to listen to any questions they may have, to let them know that they are safe and that it’s normal to feel concerned. If the media or the news is getting too much for them, encourage them to limit their exposure. This video has some useful tips for talking to young people about scary stuff in the news.

Support for those experiencing financial hardship
As the ongoing spread of the coronavirus continues to affect the global economy, many people in Australia are losing jobs, livelihoods and financial stability. For information and services provided by the Australian government, please visit Services Australia.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, National Debt Helpline offers free financial counselling.

Health care workers
Health care workers may feel extra stress during the COVID-19 outbreak. This is a normal response in these unprecedented circumstances. Such feelings are not a sign of weakness and it’s important to acknowledge this. There are practical ways to manage your mental health during this time, including:
• getting enough rest during work hours and between shifts
• eating healthy foods and engaging in physical activity
• keeping in contact with colleagues, family and friends by phone or online
• being aware of where you can access mental health support at work
• if you’re a manager, trying to create mentally healthy work structures.
It’s important the general public recognises the pressure that health systems and workers themselves are under and takes steps to support them where possible. Following government advice about ways individuals can help slow the spread of the virus will support the health care workers who are saving lives and keeping people safe.

Seek support
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed or stressed by news of the outbreak. We encourage people who have experienced mental health issues in the past to:
• activate your support network
• acknowledge feelings of distress
• seek professional support early if you’re having difficulties.
For those already managing mental health issues, continue with your treatment plan and monitor for any new symptoms.
Social contact and maintaining routines can be supportive for our mental health and wellbeing. In circumstances where this is not possible, staying connected with friends and family online or by phone may assist. Beyond Blue also has a dedicated page on its forums about coping during the coronavirus outbreak.

Acknowledge feelings of distress and seek further professional support if required.
Beyond Blue has fact sheets about anxiety and offers other practical advice and resources at beyondblue.org.au.
The Beyond Blue Support Services offers short term counselling and referrals by phone and webchat on 1300 22 4636.

All of our current clients (or future ones!) can now ask us to get their groceries for them. We can shop for essential items for them to save them entering the community unnecessarily. Give our Coffs Team a call on 02 6651 3153 or Newcastle Team a call on 4966 8399

There is also now a special HOUR of shopping – between 7am and 8am at most supermarkets. See below:

Woolworths and Coles have introduced special hours in their supermarkets to ensure that older people and people with disabilities will be able to shop in less crowded aisles during the coronavirus pandemic.

Both shops are opening exclusively between 7:00am and 8:00am to give those groups a chance to do their shopping before the rush begins.

Woolworths says shoppers will be allowed in if they can show a relevant government-issued seniors, pensioner or disability card.

Click here to read more.

There are two numbers to call for help and advice for Coronavirus.

Health Direct: 1800 022 222
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/

Health.gov.au 1800 020 080

National – Dept of Health – Coronavirus information page

Subee Newlake is committed to ensuring, as much as possible, the safety and security of it’s clients, employees and the greater community.

With the current outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and the risk it presents, we issue this information to provide you with up to date info and instructions on what to do to reduce the risk.

This information is current as of the 12^th March 2020 and may change as a result of further updates from the Department of Health.

The key messages we wish to communicate are:

• We are here to help and provide information and reassurance
• How to protect yourself from infection
• Monitor your health and report if you have any of the symptoms listed below
• We will avoid exposing you to infection by our high standards of infection control and monitoring and training of our staff.

If you have any of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Aches
• Fatigue

AND/OR

Have travelled to a country considered to be an “Outbreak Region”

As of the 12^th March the following countries are considered to be “Outbreak Regions”

• China
• Iran
• South Korea
• Italy
• Cambodia
• Hong Kong
• Japan
• Thailand
• Singapore
• Indonesia

AND/OR

• Have been in contact with someone who has been overseas to any of these listed countries
• Have been in contact with someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19
• Have been in contact with someone who is reasonably suspected of having COVID-19

Contact the 24/7 national hotline (1800 020 080) that has been established to help triage people with respiratory symptoms and those who are concerned about contact with a possible COVID-19 case.

We would also ask that you notify us immediately

We can assist by providing you with further, current information that will include how to minimise the spread of any potential infection.

It is an unfortunate reality that there is potential for some services and supports to be suspended to prevent the spread of the virus and for the greater good of the community.

Here are some things that you can do to stop the spread of infection:

• Wash your hands with soap and water regularly and thoroughly for a minimum of 30 seconds
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing with a flexed elbow or a tissue
• Clean all surfaces regularly preferably using an anti-bacterial product
• Avoid close contact with anyone displaying cold or flu like symptoms
• Avoid shaking hands and close contact with colleagues. Try a smile and friendly nod instead
• Avoid touching your mouth or eyes if you are exposed to people who present as sick or display symptoms of cold and flu and wash your hands as soon as possible
• Wear PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment) and dispose waste appropriately.

Our COVID-19 Preventative Action Plan requires that ALL employees follow these instructions

• DO NOT come to work if you have travelled to or through countries of higher or moderate risk as determined by The Australian Dept of Health: mainland China, Iran, South Korea, Italy, and Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore Thailand in the last 14 days. Employees should not return to work until 14 days have passed since they have arrived from those countries, or they have received medical clearance. The Australian Department of Health also requires that travelers from Iran, China and South Korea isolate themselves for 14 days.
• DO NOT come to work if you have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days. The Department of Health also requires that you isolate yourself for 14 days after the date of last contact with the confirmed case. If you become unwell, see a Doctor – let the practice know of your concerns when you call.
• DO NOT come to work if a member of your household fits the above criteria.

The safety and well-being of our, clients, and other staff is our priority and we ask that all employees cooperate with these requirements.

Many thanks for your co-operation.

Don’t forget, we are here to support you

Stay safe.

Richard Holloway
Operations Manager
On behalf of the management team at Subee Newlake