COVID-19 Communique No.25

Welcome to the 25th 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 there are easing of restrictions for both Metro and regional Victoria.

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 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 will return to face to face on the 15th of June and will operate within COVIDsafe guidelines.

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)

Will re-open on the 11th of June and will operate within COVIDsafe guidelines.

Yarra View Nursery & Bushland Flora

Primary production will continue to operate within COVIDsafe guidelines.

Knoxbrooke Outsource

Manufacturing continues to operate within COVIDsafe guidelines.

Ringwood Hub

Will be open from the 11th of June and will operate within COVIDsafe guidelines.

Mawarra Day Services

Day service support 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

Will continue to operate under COVIDsafe guidelines.

Waratah Gardening

Will continue to operate under COVIDsafe guidelines.

Mawarra Op Shop and Sorting Centre

Will continue to operate 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