21st August 2021
Welcome to the 32nd 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 today following Premier Daniel Andrew’s announcement that the lockdown will apply across Victoria from 1pm today.
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 an essential service and continues to be available with more robust DHHS guidelines for disability services in place.
Should you wish to discuss using the 365 support service, please contact Paul McDonald, 365 Services Coordinator on 0499 501 008 or email paul.mcdonald@knoxbrooke.com.au
Achieve
Achieve continues to be delivered through an online format.
Should you wish to discuss Achieve, please contact Michael Beavis, Achieve Team Leader on 0475 300 505 or email michael.beavis@knoxbrooke.com.au
Yarra View Garden Centre
Closed until lock-down expires.
Yarra View & Bushland Flora Nurseries
Primary production is exempt and continues to operate within COVIDsafe guidelines. Masks must be worn and QR check-in is in place and mandatory on arrival. Operations have moved to reduced activity. Any employees who would prefer to take annual leave during this lock-down period, this is available to you.
Knoxbrooke Outsource
Manufacturing is exempt and continues to operate within COVIDsafe guidelines. Masks must be worn and QR check-in is in place and mandatory on arrival. Operations have already moved to reduced activity. Any employees who would prefer to take annual leave during this lock-down period, this is available to you.
Ringwood Hub
Closed until lock-down expires. The main line (03) 9758-3666 will be attended to remotely.
Mawarra Day Services
Day service support continues to be available for participants requiring this essential service. More robust DHHS guidelines for disability services are in place and will include the following increased measures effective Monday: pods will be implemented and be capped to 8 people including staff, no excursions will be undertaken and pods will be physically distanced onsite. Masks must be worn and QR check-in is in place and mandatory on arrival.
Jigsaw Industries
Manufacturing continues to operate within COVIDsafe guidelines. Masks must be worn and QR check-in is in place and mandatory on arrival. Operations will be moving to reduced activity. Any employees who would prefer to take annual leave during the lock-down period, this is available to you.
Waratah Gardening
Primary production continues to operate within COVIDsafe guidelines. Masks must be worn and QR check-in is in place and mandatory on arrival. Operations will be moving to reduced activity. Any employees who would prefer to take annual leave during the lock-down period, this is available to you.
Mawarra Op Shop and Sorting Centre
Closed to public until lock-down expires. Click ‘n collect will be available by prior arrangement.
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 continue to 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).
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