The latest PPE update from DHHS advises that surgical face masks are still required for client-facing disability workers.

The PPE for disability services providers for prevention of coronavirus (15 December 2020) guidance states:

• Client-facing support workers are required to wear a single use surgical mask whether they are supporting activities indoors or outdoors.
• Non client-facing disability services staff, contractors and volunteers working in other environments (e.g. tea rooms, meeting rooms, offices) should wear a surgical mask if physical distancing of at least 1.5 metres cannot be maintained.
• Visitors to disability residential services and centre based services must wear a single use surgical face mask at all times.
• People with disability at centre-based disability services who are able to wear a mask, should wear a fitted mask indoors and outdoors.
• All Victorians are required to abide by mandatory mask requirements when using public transport, commercial passenger vehicles and rideshare, visiting markets, shopping centres and large retail stores. Exemptions continue to apply to the face mask requirement with full detail on the DHHS Coronavirus website.

Organisations that also provide Aged Care and Community Services should direct staff to the specific DHHS guidelines for each service, as variations apply depending on the level of vulnerability and risk of infection.