Welcome to the 18th 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 and considered the Victorian “Roadmap to Reopening” as announced by the Premier Dan Andrews on Sunday, 6th September.
We would also like to bring your attention that R U OK? day is today. Today, more than ever, it is important that we ask ourselves the question AM I OK? and others around us R U OK? COVID-19 has challenged us like never before and checking-in on each other, is exactly what we need to do. So please check out https://www.ruok.org.au/ for more resources and guidance on the R U OK conversation.
Below is a break-down of current Knoxbrooke services during COVID-19 incorporating the “Roadmap to Reopening”.
365 in-home support
365 in-home support is a highly valued service especially during COVID-19 and continues. 365 team members are limited to working exclusively with no more than 3 clients and have undertaken COVID-safe and PPE training.
Should you wish to discuss 365 support, please contact Paul McDonald, 365 Services Coordinator on 0499 501 008 or email paulm@knoxbrooke.com.au
Achieve
The Achieve service continues to be offered through the remote learning, Zoom platform.
Basecamps
Basecamps remain closed for the remainder of 2020 and unfortunately are highly unlikely to re-open in 2021 for a number of reasons as communicated with Basecamp clients, families and carers.
Zoom support remains available until Friday, 27 November 2020.
365 in-home support has been taken-up by many Basecamp participants during COVID-19 and continues to remain available.
Should you wish to discuss Zoom support, please contact Gai Campbell, Outer East Regional Manager on 0419 534 094 or email gaic@knoxbrooke.com.au
Yarra View Garden Centre
Yarra View Garden Centre is open for telephone and email orders with contactless pick-ups.
Yarra View Nursery & Bushland Flora
Both Yarra View Nursery and Bushland Flora are operating at reduced capacity. All employees have been advised of new work arrangements and PPE requirements.
Knoxbrooke Outsource
Knoxbrooke Outsource is operating at reduced capacity. All employees have been advised of new work arrangements and PPE requirements.
Mawarra and 365
Mawarra Day Services continues in limited capacity with stage 3 restrictions in place. Term 4 bookings are currently being taken.
365 in-home support for many clients and families has been an essential support throughout this crisis and will continue to be offered at Mawarra.
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
Jigsaw Industries and Waratah Gardening
Both social enterprises will continue under stage 3 with appropriate COVID-19 modifications being made including temperature checking on arrival, mandatory face masks, regular hand sanitising, regular wipe down of high touch points and recording of daily attendance.
Mawarra Op Shop and Sorting Centre
Both the Op Shop and Sorting Centre are closed to the public until further notice
Ringwood and Warragul Hubs
The Ringwood Hub remains closed until further notice.
The Warragul Hub is open on reduced hours. Should you need to attend in person, please consider if necessary and call ahead to arrange an appointment.
Should you need to contact Knoxbrooke, please call the main line (9758-3666) and a team member working remotely will answer your call and direct as appropriate.
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 participants, families, carers and team members. Recently WorkSafe attended a Knoxbrooke premises and inspected our COVID-safe plan and was satisfied Knoxbrooke was taking appropriate safety measures.
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
- Wear a face covering when you leave home
(Please refer to https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/staying-safe-covid-19 for further information)
If a participant 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
Chief Executive Officer