COVID-19 Communique No.12 – UPDATE

Due to the announcement of Stage 3 restrictions for metropolitan Melbourne yesterday, please find following an updated 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 met earlier today following yesterdays’ announcement by Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews regarding the re-introduction of stage 3 restrictions for Greater Melbourne and Shire of Mitchell from midnight today for 6 weeks. Whilst it is disappointing news, we have been here before and are well prepared to assist participants and families through this.

CHANGES AS A RESULT OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT

Basecamps

Basecamps were scheduled to re-open on Monday, 3 August. The re-opening is now deferred until further notice and whilst we are not able to provide physical Basecamp support, Knoxbrooke will be offering the following supports:

  • 365 1:1 in-home support and
  • Group Zoom sessions including performing arts, karaoke and yoga.  

Due to the nature of stage 3, 365 support will be limited to in-home support and support with local exercise. Transport will only be provided in very limited circumstances. 365 staff will be limited to supporting no more than 5 families as a COVID-19 precaution.

Should you have any questions regarding alternative services, please contact Gai Campbell, Outer East Regional Manager on 0419 534 094 or email gaic@knoxbrooke.com.au

Achieve

After a few wonderful weeks of face-to-face Achieve group meetings at The Hub, we will be reverting to Zoom sessions soonest. The Achieve team will be in touch with Achievers regarding new Zoom arrangements shortly.

Yarra View Nursery and Knoxbrooke Outsource

Current working arrangements for supported employees will remain unchanged during the stage 3 restrictions as employment is one of the 4 reasons one can leave the house. COVID-19 safety protocols will continue to be reinforced regularly for all employees. Significant modifications have already been made to the workplace to ensure that COVID-19 precautions are taken.

Mawarra – Unaffected

Mawarra is located in Baw Baw Shire and is unaffected by the Premiers announcement. Mawarra day services will re-open as planned on Monday, 3 August 2020.

COVID-19 precautions are currently in place and will be front of mind when Mawarra re-opens. If there is more demand for Mawarra services than 4 square metre rule COVID-19 space allows, it may be necessary to reduce the number of days a participant can attend on-site. Alternatively, small group community activities or 365 in-home support may be offered.

Current arrangements at Jigsaw Industries and Waratah Garden Services remain unchanged.

365 in-home support remains available to all participants.

Should you have any questions regarding Mawarra services, please contact Claire Cutler, West Gippsland Regional Manager on 0499 600 666 or email clairec@knoxbrooke.com.au

Office arrangements

The Hub remains closed.

Warragul administration office is open on reduced hours; should you need to attend in person, please call ahead to avoid disappointment.

You can still call the main lines and your call will be redirected to Knoxbrooke team members working remotely.

Payment of accounts in person is unfortunately no longer possible. Payments can be made through bank transfer, direct debit or cheques/bank cheques mailed

COVID-19 Coronavirus and Knoxbrooke

Please be advised that Knoxbrooke does not have any current cases of COVID-19 coronavirus. Knoxbrooke regularly receives notifications of people and/or staff undergoing COVID-19 tests. All results to date have returned negative.

Should you have flu-like symptoms, please follow the advice of https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus and call the Government COVID-19 HOTLINE on 1800 675 398.  Note an online self-assessment is now available and may assist https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-self-assessment

Please also alert Knoxbrooke through either the Knoxbrooke HOTLINE or email below:

HOTLINE: 0475 500 550

Email: covid19@knoxbrooke.com.au

For up-to-date information on Knoxbrooke services, please visit our dedicated COVID-19 website: www.knoxbrooke.com.au/covid19

Thank you for your continued support.

Kristian Dauncey

Chief Executive Officer