The past few weeks have seen an increase in COVID-19 across Western Australia. It has become apparent that the Omicron variant spreads quickly, and it is anticipated we will have to learn to live with this virus.
The delay to the boarders opening has enabled us to have more time to assist you to be ready. This newsletter provides information and advice on the practical steps you can take now to prepare for high cases of COVID-19 in the community.
If you require any further information, please speak to your Regional Manager.
We are here to support you.
Staying safe together,
Dawn McAleenan - CEO
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WA Safe Transition Plan
The WA Safe Transition Plan has been updated by the government which has delayed the opening of our borders. The purpose is to slow down the community spread by introducing a number of requirements for domestic and international travellers pre and post arrival.
The plan highlights measures that need to be in place to minimise the spread of the virus such as wearing a mask, getting vaccinated, keep checking in and showing proof of your vaccination.
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Preparing your supports
It's time now to prepare for how we can support you if you are exposed to COVID-19, if you get sick or if your usual support staff are unwell. Over the next few weeks we will be contacting you to discuss these plans and what support we can provide in the different circumstances.
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COVID-19 kits
One practical step you can take today in preparing to live with the virus is to prepare your COVID-19 kit. Your kit could include;
- Thermometer
- Pain-relief medicine
- Your usual medications
- Treatment for dehydration
- Disposable surgical masks
- Hand sanitiser and soap
- Cleaning products and disposable gloves
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Plan ahead
It's also important to consider what support you may need if you were taken sick and unable to go out. These supports may include;
- Phone numbers of your next of kin and people that you can call if you need help
- Plan for how you would get food and other essential items if you are too sick, this could include a support person that would be willing to go shopping for you.
- Plan for your pets. If you are unwell or need to go to hospital, identify who can look after them
- Plan activities that you can do if you are at home and unable to go out.
- Get vaccinated
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Vaccinations
The COVID-19 vaccine is an important measure to keep WA safe and healthy, and will help protect yourself, your family and the community. If you have not had all three vaccinations, please let your support worker know and we can help you with the arrangements.
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All our staff are double vaccinated and will receive their third booster when they are eligible. Our staff have done this as they are committed to providing the safest supports for you and your community.
All contractors and visitors to our centres are required to be vaccinated.
We may also ask you about your vaccination status, this is because it will help us to provide the safest support for you given your circumstances, goals and needs. Your vaccination status will also enable us to know where we can support you, as the WA Government now requires proof of vaccination to enter several high-risk venues. You do not have to provide this information to us, but for those that do, you can be assured your information will be stored appropriately to ensure privacy is upheld. We are also asked by the government to provide the number of customers that are vaccinated, when we do this, we do not disclose your personal information such as name, address, phone number etc.
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When out on supports, you may be required to provide evidence of your vaccination depending on the type of venue. The list of current venues are here. The evidence you need can be paper or digital and further guidance on how to do this can be found here.
If you are to enter a work location of Essential Personnel, you will need to be vaccinated and you will need to show your vaccination certificate.
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In this update you will find information on new and upcoming vaccination hubs, booster doses via in-reach and other channels, webinar recordings, new NDIS Rapid Antigen Test claiming arrangements, and other useful links and resources.
Regularly updated information is also available on the following Department of Health webpages:
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WA Government has set up a ServiceWA app to enable you to prove your vaccination status. This app is complicated to set up. You will need with you two to three different forms of ID and the process can take up to 30 minutes to complete. The key steps for this process include: Download the ServiceWA app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Open the app and login using myGovID.
During this process you will be redirected from the ServiceWA app through the WA Government Digital Identity exchange and the Australian Government Digital Identity System. Here, your identity will be verified using your myGovID, and you will be able to log into the app.
- Add your mobile number once you have authenticated your login through myGovID. The ServiceWA app will send you a text message to verify your phone number, which adds to the security of your account set up.
- Account set up is complete - Once you see this page, you are done.
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ServiceWA app: how to set up an account
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If you require help to set up this app, local libraries are offering a free service to assist. Just take your identification with you and find out from your local library the time and date of each workshop.
For more information:
Alternatively, you can use a hardcopy proof of vaccination, by calling Services Australia on 1800 653 809.
Testing
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If you are symptomatic or you have been to an exposure site then you are required to get a Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR) test and stay at home until advised by the Health Department. To find your local testing clinic go to https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/COVIDclinics
New guidance will be released in relation to Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR) and Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) which will provide protocols on how you can test for the virus and when to self-isolate in a high caseload environment.
We understand the Rapid Antigen Tests are not readily available but we hope they will be soon. If you have a Concession Card you can access 10 free RATs for your own use.
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Staff at Essential Personnel
COVID-19 will likely result in changes to your support from time to time. We have planned various scenarios and we have in place strategies that we believe will minimise the impact of these changes as much as possible. Although, we cannot avoid them completely. For example, your usual support worker may become sick and will be unable to provide supports whilst isolating. However, we are committed to ensuring all customers will continue to receive critical supports.
All our staff have been provided with Protective equipment, such as face masks, gloves and hand sanitisers. These will be used as required by WA Government requirements and per our Essential Personnel COVID-19 Response Plan. This is to ensure you are supported in a safe environment and our workers reduce the spread of the virus.
All our staff have undergone training in infection control and infection control in a community setting. This means they understand how to reduce risks of infection and can actively promote a safe working environment.
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Thanks for being a part of this great
Essential Personnel community!
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