COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update
New Lake Peer Support is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving state of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in the community and we are following the advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Australian Government Department of Health and State Health authorities.
The health and safety of the people we support, our staff and carers are our highest priority.
We appreciate all the support you can provide us in this endeavour.
While New Lake Peer Support services and programs are currently continuing, we are reviewing the situation daily and we are doing our best to ensure that everyone at New Lake Peer Support – our participants, our staff, families and carers and all others who visit our services and sites – remain safe
Prevention and early detection are our best defence.
In our fight against the spread of COVID-19, prevention and early detection is the best defence. It is for this reason we are asking everyone – our staff, our participants, our families and carers to do the following:
- Regular hand washing – wash your hands regularly with soap for at least 20 seconds, after you have had contact with another person, when preparing food and after using the bathroom. Anti-bacterial sanitiser should only be used if you are unable to wash your hands with soap and water.
- Practice personal hygiene – use a tissue to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and dispose of any used tissues immediately. If you don’t have a tissue, cover your sneeze or cough with your elbow. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Practice social distancing – avoid handshakes and unnecessary physical contact with others. Keep your distance from others as much as possible but stay connected.
- Avoid going to work or out in the community if you are sick – stay home if you are sick or infectious with cold and flu symptoms. If you have symptoms of the coronavirus seek medical attention and advice as soon as possible.
- Self-isolation – follow the Australian Health Department guidelines about isolating yourself and coming to any New Lake Peer Support location if you have come into direct contact with a confirmed COVID-19 or have travelled overseas in the previous 14 days.
- Get an annual flu vaccination – In the coming months getting the annual flu vaccination will help prevent the spread of other influenza.
Self-monitor – watch for symptoms of the illness:
- Fever/temperature
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Excessive tiredness
- Muscle aches and pains
- Feeling generally unwell.
Visitors to New Lake Peer Support
All visitors, including family, friends, contractors, must wash their hands or use a hand sanitiser before entering any New Lake Peer Support home or site. On entry, visitors will be asked whether they have been experiencing any signs or symptoms of the coronavirus. If visitors are experiencing symptoms, we may need to determine if it is safe for you to enter and reschedule visits or planned work.
Training
We have increased infection control measures, including additional staff training and enhanced levels of cleaning.
Working Group
New Lake Peer Support has formed a COVID-19 Response Working Group to provide advice and guidance around the monitoring of coronavirus and how we can plan, prepare and respond in the instance of an outbreak.
We continue to closely monitor and follow the advice of the Commonwealth Department of Health and state health authorities.
Further information
We recommend that you visit the Department of Health www.health.gov.au for further information.
For more information, you can call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We will be in touch with more information as it becomes appropriate.