Welcome to the 24th communique regarding Knoxbrooke’s response to COVID-19 coronavirus.
Knoxbrooke’s COVID-19 Taskforce continues to monitor events locally and globally and considers all new Federal, State and Local Government announcements. The health and safety of the people we support and our team is front of mind when undertaking such reviews.
Knoxbrooke’s COVID-19 Taskforce meets as required and met earlier today following the Acting Premier James Merlino’s announcement that the 7-day Victorian lockdown will be extended by a further 7-days with adjustment.
Below is the status of all Knoxbrooke services after incorporating the latest Victorian Government COVID-19 advice.
365 in-home support
365 in-home support is exempt from the extended lockdown and continues to be available with more robust DHHS guidelines for disability services already in place.
365 support is currently not available to 365 clients who reside in group homes but remains available to all other clients.
All staff have completed COVIDSafe PPE training and are required to abide by COVIDSafe practices. Replenishments of PPE for staff has occurred and will continue.
365 clients are required to wear a face-mask when receiving support unless exempt.
Should you wish to discuss using the 365 support service, please contact Paul McDonald, 365 Services Coordinator on 0499 501 008 or email paulm@knoxbrooke.com.au
Achieve
Achieve continues to be delivered through an online format until face-to-face can recommence.
Should you wish to discuss Achieve changes, please contact Michael Beavis, Achieve Team Leader on 0475 300 505 or email michaelb@knoxbrooke.com.au
Yarra View Garden Centre (Retail)
Closed for walk in customers until further notice. Online ‘Click and Collect’ service will be operating from Friday, 4th June 2021 for the remainder of the lockdown period.
Yarra View Nursery & Bushland Flora
Primary production is exempt from the extended lockdown and continues to operate within COVIDsafe guidelines. Any employees who would prefer to take annual leave during this extended lock-down period, this is available to you.
Knoxbrooke Outsource
Manufacturing is exempt from the the extended lockdown and continues to operate within COVIDsafe guidelines. Any employees who would prefer to take annual leave during this extended lock-down period, this is available to you.
Ringwood Hub
Closed until further notice. The main line being (03) 9758-3666 is open and will be attended to remotely.
Mawarra Day Services
Day service support is exempt and continues to be available with more robust DHHS guidelines for disability services already in place.
All day services staff have completed COVIDSafe PPE training and are required to abide by COVIDSafe practices. Replenishments of PPE has occurred and will continue.
Jigsaw Industries
From Monday, 7th June will re-open under COVIDsafe guidelines.
Waratah Gardening
From Monday, 7th June will re-open under COVIDsafe guidelines.
Mawarra Op Shop and Sorting Centre
From Friday, 4th June will re-open to the public under COVIDsafe guidelines.
Knoxbrooke COVID-19 Preparedness
Knoxbrooke has in place a well-prepared COVID-19 Emergency Response Plan. The Emergency Response Plan has been tested on three occasions through different simulations. We have well-drilled protocols in place to ensure the safety of clients, families, carers and team members. WorkSafe attended two Knoxbrooke premises and inspected our COVID-safe plan and was satisfied Knoxbrooke was taking appropriate safety measures. Regardless the COVID-safe plans will be reviewed and updated accordingly.
COVID-19 safety measures
Given the numbers of COVID-19 cases, please be sure to follow the DHHS advice below:
- Stay at home and get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19, however mild
- Practise good hygiene, wash your hands and cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow
- Observe social distancing by maintaining at least 1.5m from anyone you don’t live with
(Please refer to https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/staying-safe-covid-19 for further information)
If a client or team member does have symptoms and gets tested for COVID-19 and is awaiting a result, please remember to advise Knoxbrooke via email (covid19@knoxbrooke.com.au) or call/SMS the Knoxbrooke COVID-19 hotline 0475 500 550.
Please re-contact Knoxbrooke once you have a result, positive or negative. For everyone’s safety, it is critical that you regularly communicate any cases of suspected or actual COVID-19.
To date, Knoxbrooke has not had a positive COVID-19 case and the COVID-19 taskforce is well-prepared to respond should this occur.
Thank you for your continued support.
Kristian Dauncey
Group CEO