Please be advised that there have been several changes within the past week, which could affect disability service provision, continuity planning, and activities planned for participants.

While four updates are noted below, there has been no change to the Workers in a healthcare setting (COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements) Direction at this stage.

NDS will continue to advocate for your concerns and advise of any change to this when news comes to hand.

Disability Accommodation Services

Disability Accommodation Services Direction (No. 26) has been updated on 11 December.

This direction includes information about restrictions on unvaccinated people (other than residents) entering and remaining in a shared disability accommodation service. The update now reflects the Public Health and Social Measures requirements for vulnerable settings including visitor restrictions.

For the purposes of this direction, a Shared disability accommodation service is where:

1. four or more people with disability reside with people who are not members of their family; and
2. the residents share enclosed common living areas within the facility whether inside or outside; and
3. the residents are provided with disability supports within the facility.

NDS has confirmed that if Short-Term Accommodation has four or more residents, they are included within this direction.

Changes to requirements for close and casual contacts from 1 January 2022

From 1 January 2022, there will be changes to what people need to do when they come into contact with a COVID-19 case. Different measures are outlined according to the type of contact (low risk, casual, vaccinated close contacts or unvaccinated close contacts).

Information includes quarantine periods, testing regimens, and more. Please see Managing the risk for COVID-19 exposures in businesses and venues (PDF) to assist with your emergency workforce and business continuity planning.

Some restrictions revoked

The Restrictions on Businesses, Activities and Undertakings Direction (No.29) will be revoked from 5:00 am AEST 17 December 2021.

Public Health and Social Measures Direction

The new Public Health and Social Measures Direction linked to vaccination status Direction will be effective from 5am AEST 17 December 2021.

The direction will need to be read in conjunction with other active directions. It outlines the requirements of certain businesses, activities, or undertakings in Queensland.