Welcome to the 26th 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 has considered the Acting Premier James Merlino’s announcement that there are easing of restrictions for both Metro and regional Victoria from 11.59pm Thursday, 17 June 2021.
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.
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 continue to 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. Masks are no longer require outdoors.
Yarra View Nursery & Bushland Flora
Primary production will continue to operate within COVIDsafe guidelines. Masks are no longer required outdoors.
Knoxbrooke Outsource
Manufacturing continues to operate within COVIDsafe guidelines.
Ringwood Hub
Under the current directions if you can work from home, you must. The Hub will continue to operate within COVIDsafe guidelines with minimal management staff in attendance.
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