On Behalf of Chief Executive Officer Kevin Johnston.
As you know, there is ongoing and growing concern about the spread of COVID-19, also known as Coronavirus.
This is impacting on us here at CCLO Living, and as a disability support service, we have very specific vulnerabilities. These include:
- We support many people with supressed or vulnerable immune systems
- Many of our clients attend group activities or reside in Group Homes.
- Our clients’ support needs make social distancing difficult to implement
- Our clients may have multiple visitors in their home
- Our clients may not understand the risks and additional hygiene measures required
- Our clients may be dependent on CCLO staff and others for basic activities of daily living
- Our clients may not have suitable support and/or accommodation contingencies available to them.
While none of this means we need to panic, it does mean we need to respond responsibly in line with government and medical advice and begin planning for a potential worsening of the situation. We urge you to stay vigilant. Please do not attend our site or services if you are showing signs of a runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever or difficulty breathing or have recently returned from overseas. Please wash your hands thoroughly when you enter one of our sites.
What is CCLO Living doing to create a safe environment?
- In general we would appreciate you restricting your visits to our houses, instead use telephone or skype contact where possible.
- We are running education sessions on the importance of good hygiene and will increase our supervision in this regard.
- Where possible, we have reduced overlap between our services – neither staff, nor clients will move between our sites. This not only reduces possible transmission, but also ensures that if one of our sites is directed to close, we will still be able to provide support at other sites.
- We will continue to provide support in the community (unless advice changes), however, we will not be attending any group programs where we believe adequate measures to restrict the spread of the virus have been implemented.
- We will avoid any activities that place people in close proximity to others for extended periods such as concerts and movie theatres.
- We are permitting therapists and specialists to physically come onto our sites, only if essential.
- We have cancelled all onsite meetings and video/teleconferencing when necessary, will be utilised instead.
- Our staff will also not attend non-essential meetings or training at external sites.
- Staff not required to be physically present at the site will work from home.
- Staff or clients who have returned from any overseas travel will be excluded from the service for 14 days, and will require medical clearance before returning.
- Staff or clients displaying any symptoms of Coronavirus, will be isolated until they can be sent home and will require medical clearance before returning.
If you are concerned that you or your loved one may be infected:
- The national 24/7 hotline triages people with respiratory symptoms and those who are concerned about contact with a possible Coronavirus case. If you think you may be infected you can call the triage hotline on 1800 020 080.
- Suspected Coronavirus patients can present in person to a GP clinic, a dedicated respiratory clinic or to a hospital ED if they call ahead.
- Please notify us ASAP.
What are the next steps?
Senior management of CCLO are meeting regularly to discuss the current health advice and the impact on our service.
- As always, you should feel free to call your key contact person if you have any concerns about your family member or the service.
- We will be continuing to monitor the information provided by the government to ensure the best response in keeping people safe and infection free.
- The success of any initiatives to mitigate the further spread of COVID 19 will be heavily dependent on all of our personal attention to hygiene and following information circulated by Australian Health Authorities and I know we will all play our part in this.
Regards,
Kevin Johnston
CEO | CCLO Living
Please find an easy to read version of above information at this link*
*Source: The Growing Space
