New pre-emptive COVID-19 measures came into effect from 12:01 am Tuesday, 29 June.

Defined public activities, which include disability support services, are permitted if all prescribed persons wear a face mask (covering mouth and nose) at all times when in the physical presence of other people on the premise, subject to the following exceptions:

• If the wearing of a mask will hinder the provision of the relevant care and/or compromise client safety.
• The person is receiving individual care in their own home (including supported accommodation)
• A person has a relevant medical condition that precludes them from wearing a mask.
• Where the wearing of a mask will hinder communication including those with a hearing impairment.
• Children under the age of 12 are not required to wear a mask.

'Prescribed persons' include care providers, patients, clients, administrative and other staff, employees, visitors, students, contractors and any other person on the premises at which the service is provided.

A person will be considered to be in the physical presence of another person if they are in the same room as that other person.

Density limits and physical distancing:

• 1 person per 2 square meters – for all defined public activities and gatherings
• Private gatherings 150 people maximum
• Weddings and funerals at licensed premises can have venue capacity (1 person per 2 square meters)
• Weddings and funerals at other venues can have a maximum capacity of 150 people.
• Only seated consumption of food and beverages is permitted at indoor venues
• Seated entertainment like cinemas or live theatre or performance venues can have up to 75 per cent capacity if patrons wear masks.
• Dancing not permitted at nightclubs and relevant licensed premises.
• Singing not permitted (excluding residential) unless it is a performance, an education establishment or a private lesson.

A copy of the new Public Activities Direction can be found on the SA Government COVID website.

NDS is disappointed that requirements relating to disability services were not made clear immediately. We are communicating with the SA Government about the importance of providing unambiguous guidance as early as possible to enable our members to provide the ongoing safe support of 40,000 South Australians with disability.

Vaccinations for Disability Staff

All staff working in disability services are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccination through the Aspen Medical Disability Vaccination Clinic Hub at Medindie.

Staff are required to book appointments online, using a disability provider email account to verify employment in the disability sector.

There are currently same day appointments available.