Paul Ostrowski, CEO, Care Connect
It is important that you keep up your regular home care and health care. These are deemed as essential services and are just as important as protecting yourself from Coronavirus.
I’d like to thank you for your continued understanding and support as we navigate the unpredictable Coronavirus landscape. As the situation evolves, with the impact on our communities and constant news-flow in the media, this is a challenging time for everyone.
We continue to do the best we can to make a positive impact on your lives, and to assist you to move through this period by helping to maintain your wellbeing and independence, in a moment-in-time when there are no easy solutions.
We are here to support you every step of the way:
It is important that you keep up your regular home care and health care. These are deemed as essential services and are just as important as protecting yourself from Coronavirus.
Our team always follow the strictest hygiene and safety protocols, as prescribed by the Australian Department of Health and the States in which we operate, and we are closely monitoring developments as they are released by the Australian and State Governments.
We are working closely with our preferred providers to ensure that the care worker visiting your home is taking all necessary measures to ensure you stay safe and symptom-free. Any care worker displaying Coronavirus symptoms is not allowed to work – and just to be sure, workers with symptoms are being tested.
The Coronavirus situation will affect each individual differently, so we will personalise the support we provide, depending on your particular circumstances. We will continue to provide you with as many services as we can, whilst maintaining social distancing guidelines, hand washing and use of hand sanitisers.
Suburban Testing Blitz:
In late May, Victoria commenced easing restrictions. In the early weeks, community transmission was maintained at low and stable levels; unfortunately however a double digit increase in outbreaks and community transmission over the past week has become a concern. As a result, on 22 June, Victoria deferred some easing of restrictions for three weeks and increased restrictions on family and social gatherings.
Just yesterday, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews also announced a new ‘suburban testing blitz’ across Melbourne suburbs where recent community transmission has increased, meaning that there is a risk of undetected Coronavirus circulating in the community.
All residents of the targeted suburbs will be eligible for free testing, with or without symptoms, with a priority on testing symptomatic cases. The aim is to have ambulances and vans spread throughout the community that will offer free Coronavirus testing.
The first three days will focus on Keilor Downs in Melbourne’s west and Broadmeadows in Melbourne’s north, where health workers will aim to test half the population, then the focus will move to other suburbs over the course of the 10-day program. Additional suburbs included are: Maidstone, Albanvale, Sunshine West, Hallam, Brunswick West, Fawkner, Reservoir and Pakenham.
It has also been announced that new saliva tests will be rolled-out for the first time in Victoria from Monday 29 June. This will reduce the time it takes to conduct the test.
For up to date information about testing locations and schedules, please contact the Victoria Department of Health and Human Services. Visit the ‘Latest Health Advice’ section on the website: www.vic.gov.au/coronavirus or call the Coronavirus Hotline: 1800 675 398.
What can we all do to protect ourselves and our communities from Coronavirus?
- If you experience any breathing problems call 000 immediately
- If you experience any symptoms, please get tested. Symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Coughing or sneezing
- A new loss of your sense of taste or smell
- Fever (temperature over 38 degrees)
- Aches
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and keep surfaces clean
- Avoid touching your face, eyes, mouth and nose
- Maintain at least 1.5M distance between yourself and another person
Have regular contact with your doctor and call them if you are concerned about any of your health conditions. They may be able to provide care over the phone or via tele-conference, and face to face care is still available.
Please contact your Client Adviser or Service Coordination team if you experience an onset of symptoms or if you are going to get tested or have tested positive for Coronavirus.
Cold and Flu season:
As Australia moves into winter, there will likely be more and more people experiencing cold and flu-like symptoms in the coming months and even though social distancing has seen a significant drop in flu-like presentations so far this year, that doesn’t mean it’s gone completely.
A flu vaccination can help to protect you and everyone around you. It is recommended you get yourself vaccinated against the flu every year. Please contact your healthcare provider for further advice.
For regular updates and news reports, please visit the Coronavirus page on our website: www.careconnect.org.au/coronavirus. Please also ensure we have your up to date email address and telephone number so that we can keep you informed as the Coronavirus situation evolves. You can do this by: Submitting an enquiry from the Contact Us page on our website: www.careconnect.org.au; Sending an email to info@careconnect.org.au or by calling us on 1300 866 228 (Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm).
As this situation continues to evolve, we will update you with any relevant changes, but please get in touch with our care team on 1300 866 228 if there is anything we can help you with.
Stay safe, stay well and take care.