DHHS has released updated information about face masks, protective eyewear and return to work requirements.

Face masks still required for disability workers

Although requirements for wearing face masks have now been relaxed in other settings, providers should remind all staff, workers, contractors and volunteers that the requirements for wearing a surgical face mask at work have not changed.

Masks are required to be worn indoors and outdoors by all workers engaged in delivering a service or activity that involves direct contact with a client. This applies to all disability sector service settings.

The only exception is for disability workers who are not engaged in any direct contact with clients.  

These workers do not have to wear a face mask in their work setting provided a 1.5 metre social distance from other people can be maintained. When social distancing cannot be maintained, e.g. meeting rooms, staff rooms, corridors and lifts, staff are required to wear a face mask.

People with a disability should also be encouraged to wear a face mask during any service delivery activity when interacting with staff, contractors and volunteers, however this is not mandatory.

Protective Eyewear

Further to previous DHHS advice, there is no longer a requirement for all disability services staff to wear eye protection (face shields or goggles).

Eye protection is however required for disability workers when they are carrying out any activity with a person who is suspected of, or has, COVID-19 or where the activity with a client involves a risk of contact with body fluids.

For all details refer to the DHHS PPE for disability service providers for the prevention of coronavirus factsheet.

Please also refer to visiting care facilities and care facilities for more information.

Return to Work

From 18 January up to 50 per cent of office based workers may return to on-site work. Face masks must still be worn indoors if physical distancing of at least 1.5 metres cannot be maintained (e.g., tea rooms, offices).

DHHS COVID Support

• If you suspect someone may have COVID-19, or if individuals need access to support and advice, you can call the DHHS Coronavirus hotline: 1800 675 398.
• COVID exposure sites and testing locations information is available on the DHHS website.
• If you have any urgent queries about potential exposure you can contact the DHHS coronavirus hotline or email HSCRRC_outbreak@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

WorkSafe Victoria

WorkSafe Victoria has released new information on the prevention of COVID-19 for the Health Care and Social Assistance sector. This resource includes:

• Information on the transmission of COVID-19
• Employer responsibilities
• COVID-19 prevention
• New information on ventilation
• New information on facility management systems of work
• New information on rostering
• New information on work/office management system of work
• New information on PPE and clothing
• New information on working from locations other that place of work
• Updated further resource links

Face masks – general public

From 18 January 2021 face masks are only required to be worn inside specific public facilities, including:

• Public transport
• Taxis or rideshare services
• Shopping centres, including retail stores within centres
• Indoor markets
• Large retail stores (over 2000 square), department stores, electronics stores, furniture stores, hardware stores or supermarkets
• Domestic flights to and from Victoria
• At airports
• In hospitals