Transporting clients on buses

DFFH has clarified its COVIDSafe requirements for transporting clients on buses in response to queries by NDS on behalf of disability providers.

Risks associated with transporting clients on buses should be managed in accordance with your COVIDSafe Plan. Transport of clients is not restricted to a bus owned by an organisation.

Providers are encouraged to take steps to make transport as COVIDSafe as possible:

• Face masks must be worn, in accordance with Victorian public transport requirements.
• Lawful exceptions to wearing a face mask apply.
• Enable physical distancing between non-household members, and between passengers and driver.
• If possible open windows to increase ventilation and do not have air-conditioning on recirculate.
• Regularly clean and disinfect high touch surfaces.
• Passengers should wash or sanitise their hands before and after trips.

COVID-19 Vaccinations

High-volume vaccination centres have opened across Victoria, providing another option for the disability sector. 

Victorians eligible under rollout phase 1a or 1b, people aged 50+, and those eligible under 50 years who opt for the AstraZeneca vaccine can attend one of the centres.

Metro Victoria

• Royal Exhibition Building, 9 Nicholson St, Carlton
• Cranbourne Turf Club, Grant Street, Cranbourne
• Northern Hospital, 185 Cooper St, Epping
• Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital, 300 Waterdale Road, Heidelberg Heights
• Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Melbourne CBD
• Sunshine Hospital, 176 Furlong Road, St Albans

Regional Victoria

• Mercure Hotel and Convention Centre, 613 Main Road, Golden Point, Ballarat
• Bendigo Health, 10 Stewart Street, Bendigo
• Former Ford factory, 365-455 Melbourne Rd, Norlane, Geelong
• Shepparton Showgrounds, McIntosh Centre, Corner of Thompson Street and High Street, Shepparton 
• Traralgon Racecourse, 66-110 McNairn Road, Traralgon East
• Wodonga Community Clinic, Suite 2, 182-184 High Street, Wodonga

Disability providers could consider encouraging staff to use one of the centres and support them by assisting with bookings. By coordinating bookings providers can stagger vaccinations and minimise the risk of staff simultaneously needing time off work if they have a reaction.