Health Screening Policy
In response to the ongoing Covid-19 health situation, the following procedures have been implemented in addition to standard risk and quality control procedures in all service areas:
Pre-service health screening and service restrictions
For the protection of all participants our small group and all individual services in the community new health screening measures apply.
Services are rescheduled or cancelled where any guest or support team member:
- Is experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms
- Has experienced a fever (temperature above 38.1 ) or symptoms within the 7-day period prior to service.
- Has been in contact with a confirmed case of Covid-19 or in close contact with anyone who has been asked to self-isolate because of a close contact.
- Has not completed the Covid-19 Vaccination schedule they are eligible for, or provided a verified Medical Exemption Certificate
- Has completed PCR or Rapid Antigen Test and tested positive
*Emergency and short-notice respite and accommodation will be risk-assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine if we can safely assist with crisis care as required.
Other service health screening:
- Staff and guests are required to participate in temperature and symptom screening daily before and during multiday excursions.
- Daily temperature monitoring and recording procedures are in place to track any changes in the health of our key support staff and guests.
- Staff and Guests are required to complete a PCR or Rapid Antigen test if any flu like symptoms are present
Action plan for a fever
Response Guidelines – For any traveller with a temperature over 37.9°C:
- The person will be provided with a mask immediately even if no other symptoms appear.
- The person will be provided with comfort and adequate support to isolate to their room as soon as practical.
- If vehicle transport is unavoidable the masked person shall be as physically distant from other people as can be achieved before returning to isolate.
- A Rapid Antigen Test will be conducted as soon as practicable, the results recorded and reported
- Operational support team to initiate:
- contact with guardians and guest representatives
- internal clinical support
- additional or replacement support staff.
- Medical advice shall be sought from the Coronavirus Health Information Line
- The affected persons is returned to their place of residence and soon as practical to complete further Covid-19 rapid antigen testing (or PCR Testing) and isolate until a negative result is recorded.
Covid-19 Disability Information Helpline
The Disability Gateway – Covid19 Support provides information and referrals for people with disability who need help because of coronavirus (Covid-19).
The Helpline can help families, carers, support workers and services, too. The Disability Gateway is free, private and fact-checked.
You can contact the Helpline in the following ways:
- Phone (free call): 1800 643 787
- If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can also call the National Relay Service on 133 677
The Helpline is available Monday to Friday 8 am to 8 pm (AEST)
