Update to the Standard Operating Procedure.

Following the latest advice from the relevant State Government and Commonwealth Health Departments we have updated our Standard Operating Procedure. This document is designed to help keep you, your Helpers and the community safe. Specifically the latest update includes a new Scenario 2C. This identifies the requirement to wear a mask when delivering services in an area where the wearing of masks in the community has been mandated. These areas may be outside of identified lockdown/hotspot locations.

COVID-19 Attending work guidelines.

We have consolidated and updated our guidelines for when Helpers cannot work and when they can return to work. The guidelines have been developed in accordance with the Department of Health recommendations for Healthcare and Aged Care workers. You can access the guidelines here.

Department of Health - COVID-19 infection control training.

Recently the Department of Health released a 30 minute online training module in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. This training is for care workers across all health care settings, including aged care and disability workers, both in a residential and community setting. In addition to our infection control training we have made it a requirement for Helpers to complete this course.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Five Good Friends has recently secured additional quantities of masks and gloves from the National Stockpile that we have made available to all Helpers. We continue to reinforce the use of PPE guided by our Standard Operating Procedure.

Commonwealth Government pandemic payment for Helpers

The Federal Government has introduced a $1,500.00 disaster payment for workers who are required to self-isolate because of coronavirus but do not have leave entitlements. It will be available to workers in Victoria who need to self-isolate for 14 days but do not have sick leave or payments through JobKeeper or JobSeeker. We have shared this information with all Helpers and will continue to keep them up-to-date on all forms of financial support that are available.

Victoria Permitted Worker Permit.

As an Approved Home Care and NDIS provider the services Five Good Friends provide to Members in the community are considered a permitted activity under the Health Care and Social Assistance sector. We have communicated with all Helpers in Victoria on the 'Permitted Worker Permit Scheme'. This includes guidance on completing the form and ensuring they follow COVID Safe work practices.

Cancelled or delayed delivery of services, supports and visits.

In diligently and safely managing through the pandemic Five Good Friends Helpers and approved partners may need to delay or cancel services and supports. We are doing everything we can to ensure continuity of your visits and services. We would be grateful for your understanding if some changes to your visits or delays in some supports are experienced.

Remaining vigilant with signs and symptoms

The Department of Health advise symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Some people will recover easily, and others may get very sick very quickly. People with coronavirus may experience symptoms such as:

• fever
• respiratory symptoms - coughing, sore throat, or shortness of breath.
• Other symptoms can include runny nose, headache, muscle or joint pains, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of sense of smell, altered sense of taste, or loss of appetite and fatigue.

Please advise us by contacting Members Service on 1300 787 581 Option 1 if you are unwell and are being tested for COVID-19.

Once again thank you for being a Member of Five Good Friends. We are working extremely hard to ensure we continue to provide you with a safe and kind service.

Yours Sincerely,

William Garton Head of Quality and Programme Development Five Good Friends