Disability service providers in South Australia are encouraged to review and activate their Business Continuity Plan (BCP) in light of the latest outbreak of COVID-19 in Northern Adelaide.

South Australian COVID response

In light of the community transmission of COVID-19 in Adelaide's northern suburbs, providers are encouraged to review and activate their BCP.

All providers should ensure they have a BCP that addresses the potential impact of coronavirus on their service delivery and is in-line with current South Australian Emergency Management Directions and Restrictions.

In particular, if members cannot provide services under the 1 person per 4sqm distancing guide then alternative measures including a potential service closure may need to be considered.

Note that some community engagement activities may be unavailable due to the restrictions on businesses such as gyms, cafes and other entertainment or hospitality venues.

While a specific direction has not been made for disability services, masks are now mandatory in aged care facilities where physical distancing cannot be maintained, and personal care workers must only work at one site. There is a visitor restriction of 2 visitors per day.

Information regarding elements that should be included in a BCP can be found in the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission Fact sheet: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Outbreak preparedness, prevention and management.

Useful Resources

Other resources to assist members can be found on NDS's Coronavirus hub.

Members may find the following vignettes from the pandemic in Victoria useful:

Rachel McConville, Victorian Health and Human Services Building Authority

Rachel discusses the importance of Clinical Waste and ways different providers can make sure they're disposing of Clinical Waste the correct way, as well as identifying what is and isn't clinical waste.

View YouTube video

Lynette McKeown, Able Australia

Lynette talks about her team's experience of dealing with a positive COVID-19 case with emphasis on Incident Command Centres and their use of a site support team.

View YouTube video

Natarsha Warren, Bayley House

Natarsha talks about a case study on Bayley House's positive COVID-19 case, with emphasis on how they were able to figure out the correct symptoms as well as carrying out further tests in situations that required her team to adapt to unforeseen difficulties.

View YouTube video

Natasha Williams, Gen U

Natasha speaks about a small outbreak that occurred and how the team at Gen U was able to contain the spread.

View YouTube video

This is a fluid situation and NDS will keep members informed of new guidance as it comes to hand.