COVID 19 Information
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/covid-19-vaccination-easy-read-resourcesDownload our CovidSafe Plan here ADSSI Covid-19 Safety Plan NSW Government
1 October
In a commitment to our staff, volunteers, clients and their families, we have introduced a mandatory Covid-19 Vaccination Policy.
What does this mean?
Our vaccination policy means all office-based and face-to-face staff and volunteers will have had at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccination by 15 October.
By 30th November, all office-based and face-to-face staff & volunteers will be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
BCC Vaccination Commitment Flyer (A4 Document)
18 August
Keeping you Covid-Safe
We are:
- encouraging everyone to get vaccinated (this protects you, your family and friends and the community)
- asking screening questions over the phone
- asking screening questions at your door
- wearing masks and other protection
- following strict hygiene protocols
- asking you to wear a mask indoors and in our cars
We can:
- help you make an appointment for a vaccination
- transport you safely to get your vaccination
- supply you with a mask if you don't have one
- help you arrange a SERVICE NSW QR CODE CHECK IN CARD - or you can do it via this link https://apply.service.nsw.gov.au/covid-checkin-card/
We are here to help, even in lockdown. As an essential service we will continue to provide Meals on Wheels deliveries, transport to medical appointments and treatment, personal and domestic care and more.
If you have any questions please contact our friendly team on 4964 1131.
11 August
For reliable sources of information on the Covid-19 situation locally and state and nation-wide, please see the list below:
NSW Department of Health - If you have symptoms or questions about COVID-19, call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.
For NDIS participants – general updates and information on COVID-19 https://www.ndis.gov.au/coronavirus
For NDIS participants – vaccine information https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/information-for-service-providers-workers-and-people-with-disability-about-covid-19-vaccines/information-for-people-with-disability-about-covid-19-vaccines
To check locations/venues online: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/case-locations-and-alerts.aspx
For Facebook users - here is the Hunter New England Health page which regularly provides updates: https://www.facebook.com/HNEHealth
Beresfield Community Care regularly shares reliable information/updates from Department of Health on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/beresfieldcommunitycare
A reliable news source is ABC – Television and Radio – in Newcastle this is ABC1233 and online https://www.abc.net.au/news/story-streams/coronavirus/
6 August
PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER
Anyone in Greater Sydney (including the Central Coast) and Hunter / Upper Hunter / Port Stephens area / Lake Macquarie who has an exemption from wearing a mask must now carry evidence from a medical practitioner noting that the exemption is for medical reasons.
PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER NOW REQUIRES ANYONE IN GREATER SYDNEY, INCLUDING THE CENTRAL COAS), HUNTER / UPPER HUNTER / PORT STEPHENS AREA / LAKE MACQUARIE TO CARRY A FACE MASK WHEN LEAVING HOME. IT MUST BE WORN IF AT ANYTIME YOU COME INTO CONTACT WITH SOMEONE FROM OUTSIDE YOUR HOUSEHOLD (INDOORS OR OUTDOORS).
MASK POLICY – EFFECTIVE FRIDAY 06 AUGUST UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Staff / volunteers / visitors are required to continue wearing a surgical mask at all times in the office, or other BCC work site. This restriction is part of the Public Health Order that mandates the wearing of surgical masks in the workplace. The Public Health order requires mask wearing in all public indoor spaces, including work offices
Staff / volunteers are required to wear a mask for all client services
Clients and other people in their home, at the time of service, are required to wear a surgical mask for all services. This is in line with NSW Health orders that state ‘residents receiving home care services in Greater Sydney and including Hunter / Upper Hunter / Port Stephens area and Lake Macquarie, must wear a mask whilst a healthcare worker is in attendance’. If a client, or others present in the home, are unable to / refuse to wear a mask WE WILL NOT PROCEED WITH SERVICE.
For your peace of mind, BCC is still here to help, even during lockdown. We have strict Covid-19 infection control protocols in place.
We can help with :
• Meals on Wheels – delicious and nutritious meals delivered to your door (contactless)
• Community transport – we can take you to medical appointments in and around Maitland, the Hunter and Newcastle
• We can do your grocery shopping on your behalf (*eligible clients only)
• Our household help and personal care services are still operating, all with strict Covid-19 infection control protocols in place
• Home Care Package services remain available
• NDIS services remain available
• Social Support - must be in your home
All our social groups and activities are on hold.
If you need help, please give us a call on 4964 1131. Stay safe and stay home.
8 July
There were several major announcements in yesterday's NSW Government COVID Press Conference including;
Increase of the current lockdown for Greater Sydney, including the Central Coast, by an additional week through to midnight Friday 16 July.
The naming of 3 new LGAs of significant concern re: community transmission (Fairfield, Liverpool and Canterbury / Bankstown) and within those LGAs, 8 particular suburbs of concern – Bossley Park, Smithfield, Fairfield, West Hoxton, Bass Hill, St John’s Park, Canley Vale and Greenfield Park. All of these areas are in South-West and Western Sydney.
How are we responding to these announcements?
Social Support Groups continue to be cancelled up to and including Friday 16 July.
All other current COVID restrictions / safe practice settings, including mask wearing, to continue as they currently are in the Hunter.
Our mask wearing policy remains in place until further notice and includes:
Staff / volunteers / visitors are required to continue wearing a surgical mask at all times in the office, or other ADSSI work site. This restriction is part of the Public Health Order that mandates the wearing of surgical masks in the workplace. The Public Health order requires mask wearing in all public indoor spaces, including work offices;
Staff / volunteers are required to wear a mask for all client services, except lawn and garden services where social distancing is in place;
Clients , and other people in their home, at the time of service, are required to wear a surgical mask for all services. This is in line with NSW Health orders issues on Sunday 27 June that state ‘ residents receiving home care services in Greater Sydney must wear a mask whilst a healthcare worker is in attendance’. If a client, or others present in the home, are unable to / refuse to wear a mask WE MAY NOT BE ABLE DO NOT PROCEED WITH SERVICE.
Thanks for your ongoing support with our COVID Safe practices. Please remain vigilant in what is a critical time in managing the current level of community transmission.
28 June
UPDATED MASK POLICY – EFFECTIVE MONDAY 28 JUNE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Staff / volunteers / visitors are required to continue wearing a surgical mask at all times in the office, or other BCC work site.
Staff / volunteers are required to continue wearing a mask for all client services, except lawn and garden services where social distancing is in place
It is now a requirement for masks to be worn in all indoor areas in all of NSW. Therefore, clients are required to wear a mask if they are being taken on a service outside of their home.
Clients , and other members of their household present during an in-home service, are required to wear a mask if they, or their close contacts have been in Greater Sydney, including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains and Wollongong/Illawarra in the last 14 days. All other clients are requested to wear a mask for all services and strongly encouraged to do so.
23 June
The NDIS has made some EASY READ information about COVID-19 and vaccinations. You can find out more here https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/covid-19-vaccination-easy-read-resources
21 June
UPDATED MASK POLICY – EFFECTIVE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Staff and volunteers are required to wear a surgical mask;
For all client services if they, or their close contact/s have been in Greater Sydney anytime from and including Friday 11 June
At all times when in the office if they, or their close contact/s have been in Greater Sydney anytime from and including Friday 11 June (this also applies to visitors to the office)
Clients / others present in a client’s household during a service;
Are required to wear a surgical mask if they, or their close contact/s have been in Greater Sydney anytime from and including Friday 11 June.
If you have any questions, please call the office on 4964 1131.
26 March
Easy Read Information on the Covid-19 Vaccine is availalbe here - click on the link to find out what you need to know. https://cid.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/What-is-a-vaccine.pdf
19 March
The vaccine rollout is continuing, with the 1b group starting on Monday 22 March.
You are encouraged to discuss your health circumstances with your GP. In the link below you can find information on the Astrazeneca vaccine:
A list of GP Clinics participating, in the vaccination programme, can be found here;
25 February
Vaccine Rollout - Update from Australian Government Department of Health
You can find out where you are on the eligibility list and when you are likely to be able to have the vaccine by clicking on the department's link https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility
23 February
Mask Wearing Policy Update for clients and staff:
In line with advice from NSW Health earlier this week, the following changes apply to mask wearing for client services.
- Staff and volunteers are required to wear a surgical mask for all client services where social distancing cannot be / is difficult to maintain, specifically this includes transport, shopping, personal care and clinical services
- Staff and volunteers are no longer required to wear a surgical mask when safe social distancing is able to be maintained for example, domestic assistance
- Clients are required to wear a surgical mask for services where social distancing cannot be maintained, for example, transport, personal care. Please continue to discuss individual client circumstances with your line manager if they are unable to wear a mask in these circumstances
- Clients are strongly encouraged to wear a surgical mask when shopping (as social distancing is difficult to maintain), however, it is not required
If you have any queries or concerns, give us a call.
28 January 2021
The Federal Government is rolling out their advertising campaign to raise awareness of their Covid-19 Vaccine strategy and program.
Click on the link below to find out what you need to know and in the meantime, stay home if you're unwell, practise social distancing and good hand hygiene and get tested even if you have mild symptoms.
https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines
4 January 2021
NSW Health has issued a Public Health Order for the wearing of masks in most indoor settings including supermarkets, shopping centres, banks, post offices and on public transport etc. This applies in the Greater Sydney area which includes the Central Coast.
Under the Public Health Order, not wearing a mask in these settings, without a valid reason, will be subject to a $200 fine effective from today (Monday, 4 January).
BCC staff and volunteers are required to wear a mask when conducting services in these settings, which in line with our current policy (see announcement 21 December).
Client’s are also required to wear a mask in these settings - we can supply you with a single-use, disposable mask if you need one. Please note in line with Public Health Order, there are fines attached for non-compliance and the payment of any fines issued by NSW Police for non-compliance under the order is the responsibility of individuals.
Thank you for your cooperation.
21 December 2020
Dear Valued Clients
Due to increased COVID-19 community transmission, all staff, volunteers and clients MUST WEAR A MASK for ALL SERVICES, regardless of whether social distancing can be maintained. Please note the exception of lawn and garden services when outside with social distancing.
Thank you for your cooperation.
4 December 2020
Dear Valued Client,
As we head towards Christmas and the end of an unusual and sometimes difficult year, I am writing to provide you with an update on BCC’s ongoing response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Our processes and procedures, together with your cooperation, has meant that to date no clients, staff or volunteers have tested positive to COVID-19. On another positive note, we have also seen a significant drop in the number of influenza cases this year.
Thanks to the gradual easing of restrictions by government departments, we are carefully reintroducing programs and activities in a COVID safe way.
As we have done throughout the pandemic, we remain committed to the safety measures we have put in place to protect your health, safety and wellbeing, and that of our staff and volunteers. We will continue to monitor the situation and remain flexible in order to respond to any changes if required.
This has been a difficult time for everyone, including our wonderful staff and volunteers. Thank you again for your ongoing support and understanding to help us protect you and your family, and our workers and their families.
Best wishes for a safe and happy festive season and a healthy 2021. If you have any queries, please call us on 4964 1131.
Jenni Allan- Chief Executive Officer
October 2020
You can find our NSW Government Covid-19 Safety Plan here, which outlines exactly how we have and will continue to respond to the pandemic and keep everyone as safe as possible.
Please continue to practice good hand hygiene, stay 1.5m away from others, cover your coughs and sneezes and get tested even if you have mild symptoms.