In response to the growing numbers of COVID-19 cases in NSW, new rules and restrictions were announced.

People in Greater Sydney must stay at home and anyone who does not reside in affected areas, but has been in the Greater Sydney area since 21 June must also follow stay at home orders for 14 days since their visit. There are a number of valid reasons to leave home include attending work where it is not possible to work from home and to provide care or assistance (including personal care) to a vulnerable person.

The NSW Health website has specific advice for disability service providers. It is important for providers to check this website regularly and ensure the rules and guidelines are understood.

We recommend providers review and implement their COVID-19 management and business continuity plans.

Registered NDIS providers are reminded that they are required to notify the NDIS Commission of any significant changes to supports or services as a result of the updated rules and restrictions.

Providers who have questions or require additional guidance are encouraged to contact their local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055, or the NSW Ministry of Health on (02) 9391 9858 or MOH-NDIS@health.nsw.gov.au.

Advice for Residential Disability Care Facilities

Greater Sydney (including Blue Mountains, Central Cost, Wollongong and Shellharbour)

Advice for residential disability care facilities (26 June 2021) in Greater Sydney includes:

• All staff must wear a surgical mask
• Visitors are not permitted unless they are providing essential caring functions Essential care visitors must wear a surgical mask and visits should be conducted in the resident's rooms
• Any resident needing to leave a residential service should be provided with appropriate PPE and infection control information/support

Additional advice for Greater Sydney residential disability care facilities (26 June 2021) includes:

• Screening processes (e.g. temperature testing) must be undertaken at each facility to assess the risk of new and returning residents
• New residents can be accepted if they meet certain requirements.
• Minimise worker mobility. Where staff working across multiple facilities poses an unacceptable risk, providers are encouraged to seek advice from the NDIS Commission, NDIA or MOH-NDIS@health.nsw.gov.au

Regional NSW

Advice for all other NSW residential disability care facilities (26 June 2021) includes:

• All staff must wear a surgical mask
• Visitors are limited to 2 per day per resident. Visitors must wear a surgical mask and visits should be conducted in the resident’s room
• Visitors from Greater Sydney are not permitted

Additional advice for all other NSW residential disability care facilities (26 June 2021) includes:

• Screening processes (e.g. temperature testing) must be undertaken at each facility to assess the risk of new and returning residents
• New residents can be accepted if they meet certain requirements
• Minimise worker mobility. Where staff working across multiple facilities poses an unacceptable risk, providers are encouraged to seek advice from NDIS Commission, NDIA or MOH-NDIS@health.nsw.gov.au

Useful links

• NSW Health COVID-19 Disability Service Providers webpage
• Australian Government Department of Health - Providing disability support services during COVID-19
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) resources for health professionals, including aged care providers, pathology providers and health care managers
• NDS COVID-19 hub for information and resources including PPE