Last updated: 27 May 2020 at 10.11am
This advice has been developed for non-government organisations that receive State funding. However, it may also inform the broader community services sector.
To ensure client and staff health, and service continuation, your organisation should have guidelines, training, monitoring, reporting and feedback channels in place for different circumstances, including possible scenarios during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If staff absences or other situations restrict your service delivery, please contact your contract manager as soon as possible to discuss your options and how to best manage the situation.
Practical suggestions to help make your workplace or services COVID-19 safe include:
In the workplace
- Practice good hygiene and physical distancing (PDF 185 KB).
- Do not shake hands.
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces regularly.
- Open windows and adjust air conditioning for more ventilation.
- Triage clients according to PPE use guidelines provided by the Department of Health.
- Eat lunch at your desk or outside, instead of the lunch-room.
- Limit food handling and food sharing in the workplace.
Non-emergency transport
- Sit clients as far apart as possible, and as far from the driver as possible.
- Choose the largest vehicle available, such as a minibus.
- Drive with the windows open and ensure the air conditioning intake is switched to outside air (not recirculation).
- Ensure drivers, clients and all staff practice good hand hygiene before and after the transport.
- Ensure the vehicle is cleaned between uses, particularly frequently touched surfaces, such as the steering wheel, gear stick and controls.
For more information see:
- environmental cleaning in non-healthcare settings (PDF 182 KB)
- a list of COVID-19 clinics
- current travel restrictions.
Government response
The WA Government has introduced a suite of measures to provide relief for community services to respond to COVID-19.
Visiting aged care facilities and the elderly
While family members can visit residents in aged care, some additional restrictions remain in place to protect vulnerable residents.