New guidance for face masks has been issued by DFFH for disability residential facilities (community services covered by care directions).

Supplementary guidance for community care facilities has been issued by DFFH and providers should particularly note two changes from the guidance released on 27 February, relating to face masks:

• Residents no longer have to wear face masks in their own accommodation settings
• All workers, contractors and volunteers must now wear face masks at all times in an indoor space (whether or not accessible to members of the public). This includes office and staff areas.

For any Victorian COVID outbreak or testing support please contact: HSCRRC_outbreak@dhhs.vic.gov.au

NDIS Commission guidance: vaccine consent process

A NDIS Commission Provider Alert issued yesterday outlines guidance on the need to seek informed consent from participants.

The alert notes that participants must have the opportunity to provide informed consent and that any restrictive practice used to enable vaccination must comply with Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support rules, including reporting to the NDIS Commission of any unauthorised restrictive practice.

A Commission fact sheet provides further detail. The Australian Department of Health website provides resources, including consent forms to support participants receiving a COVID-19 vaccination.

It is also noted that the Victorian Office of the Public Advocate has guidance on how consent can be obtained when a person does not have decision-making capacity. See the OPA's guideline on the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine.