Latest Resources
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
See current status of the Australian Government response to COVID-19 including restrictions to movement and closures.
If you are concerned about your health or that of your staff or clients call the Coronavirus Health Information line 1800 020 080. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450. Health Direct, a government-funded service, has a symptom checker available on their website.
Training courses on infection prevention and control are available.
- Commonwealth Department of Health - Infection Control Training - COVID 19, relevant for all support workers, including those in disability and aged care.
- A discounted NDS online evidence-based course.
Please keep us informed about any particular issues impacting your ability to deliver services so that we may assist in resolving them.
We urge members to stay abreast of information, noting that advice may change as the situation develops:
The Commonwealth Department of Health provides the official status of the virus in Australia. Its site includes broad advice for consumers and health professionals. Central to its advice is the importance of washing hands regularly. Among other resources, their 'how to wash and dry hands' poster may be useful for your workplace.
The Commonwealth Department of Health has also developed:
- Guidelines for outbreaks in Residental Care Facilities
- Infection Control Training - COVID-19, relevant for all support workers, including those in disability and aged care.
State and Territory health departments also provide various local information and resources including posters and in-language fact sheets.
Victoria
Subscribe here for health alerts released by Victoria’s Chief Health Officer
NDIA
The NDIA is maintaining information about the Coronavirus as well as advice to participants and providers on its Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Support page.
NDS will advise members of specific advice the Agency releases relevant to disability service providers.
NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission
The NDIS National Quality and Safeguard Commission (NQSC) is providing regular advice to Registered NDIS providers and has links to Provider Alerts that contain important information for NDIS Providers about Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The NQSC is alerting providers to the Commonwealth Health Department’s online training module Infection Control Training – COVID 19, relevant for all support workers, including those in disability and aged care.
Providers are required to notify NQSC of any changes to the scale of their operations. They can do this emailing or calling 1800 035 544.
Safe Work Australia advises, the national model WHS laws require a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of their workers and others at the workplace. This includes providing and maintaining a work environment that is without risks to health and safety. See Safe Work Australia's COVID-19 Advice. Information for PCBUs and workers can also be found on the Australian Government Department of Health website. State and Territory Work Health and Safety regulators also provide information on maintaining workplace safety. WorkSafe Victoria has released a guide for employers, ‘Preparing for a pandemic’, which SafeWork NSW also refers to, and may be helpful for NDS members nationally. Financial Support The Australian Government’s business.gov.au provides comprehensive advice on support available to businesses including NFPs. The ATO also has a COVID-19 page which includes support available for businesses including NFPs, and a page to register interest in the JobKeeper Payment program. Now COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic it is likely that your business interruption insurance will not cover a closure resulting from the virus. Speak to your insurer about the details of your policies, including how they may respond to potential claims by people in your care. The Institute of Community Directors has provided a free Epidemic/Pandemic Policy template, which you can edit to suit your organisation’s needs. NDS members have kindly shared some useful documents: Cyber Security The Australian Signals Directorate is cautioning organisations to incorporate cyber security into their COVID-19 business continuity and work from home planning. As the use of remote access technology increases, adversaries may attempt to take advantage. See COVID-19 malicious cyber activity advice and updates from the Australian Signals Directorate. Working from Home Workplace Laws Be mindful of industrial relations as well as work health and safety responsibilities. Check Fair Work Commission advice, for example if you need to stand down employees. The Fairwork Ombudsman has released advice specific to COVID-19and how it relates to workplace laws.
Suggestions from NDS members: Thank you to members who have already provided examples of support and information, which they are relying upon during the COVID-19 Pandemic. We encourage members to continue to share with us through their State and Territory Managers, so we can help to share your information to all. Easy Read Information NDIA have recently published Easy Read information relating to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The Council for Intellectual Disability has developed Easy Read health information including a guide on viruses and staying healthy, which may be helpful to share with participants. This information should be considered in the context of formal advice given through the Federal and State Health Authorities. Each organisation will need an individualised response that reflects the risks, size and types of supports they provide.
Insurance and business continuity