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Important Information
CORONAVIRUS (COVID19) PRECAUTIONS
U3A Network NSW is assessing advice on how U3As might best minimise potential risks to our members from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak that originated in Wuhan in China. While the risk from human-to-human transmission in Australia is currently low, U3As Committees and members share a duty to one and other, to act in a manner that is caring and supportive and as such Network considers it appropriate to recommend some prudent and practical precautions, outlined below.
An Awareness:
Both the Australian and NSW Government are publishing on their websites information that is updated daily, at least
https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov
https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov
Facebook users can like and follow NSW Health,on the Facebook feed for regular updates.
Globally The World Health Organisation website https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/events-as-they-happen
The situation is constantly evolving therefore committee and members should be encouraged to closely monitor it. Task a committee member to be the focus of your U3As response.
Attendance at Courses
Members should be advised before attending courses or classes.
- If they have travelled recently from China, Italy, Iran or other countries with infection outbreaks, they should self-isolate at home for two weeks afterwards.
- If they have upper respiratory symptoms - fever, cough, sneezing, sore throat – they should avoid classes until the nature of their illness is clear and they no longer have such symptoms.
Venues including Home based Courses
- Update your protocols for venues to ensure the venue remains a safe environment for courses while the current situation continues.
- Ensure adequate hand washing facilities, soaps and hand sanitizers are available for the predicted attendance. It may be that the U3A will need to provide those facilities.
- Commercial venues have an obligation to provide a safe environment and a facility fit for purpose. This requirement should be brought to their notice.
- Monitor the site before and during the course attendance.
- Ensure the cleanliness of the site including contact surfaces
- Consider placing signs at venues as to Hand washing/ Contact/ Attendance. These are available from the websites quoted and now commercially.
- Have good hygiene at food and drink dispensing areas.
- Consider members bringing their own tea and coffee cups/ mugs.
Everyone’s Personal Conduct
- It is the personal responsibility of members to see to their own health, and morally to those with whom they connect
- As with a normal flu season minimise or avoid hand- shaking, friendly hugs and kissing.
- Wash hands regularly with appropriate sanitisers or soap and water. Carry a personal sanitiser pack and avoid touching your face if possible.
- Follow the other good practice of covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and dispose in a rubbish bin immediately
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