Social distancing

Social distancing in congregate care settings

Congregate Care settings face the challenge of avoiding or stopping the spread of COVID-19 within a setting.

People residing close together, people using shared facilities and common areas and because of a highly transient client-visitor population.

The Victorian Government has listed actions that different types of community organisations can take to help reduce the risk of infection through social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19. These include actions for:

• community and recreation centres and outdoor recreation
• people caring for a sick family member
• parents and guardians
• food and beverage services
• organisations, workplaces or employers
• people providing close body contact services in the community
• childcare centres and kindergartens
• schools
• TAFE, colleges and universities
• health and other organisations where health professionals provide close body contact procedures or services
• residential aged care facilities.

Additional social distancing resources

Below are some great resources you can use with your staff, clients and their carers and families around social distancing. Due to the nature of some of the work in some industry sectors social distancing can be difficult but there are still things we can all do at home or at work to support the health and well-being of staff and clients.

Social Distancing FAQ: a document addressing some of the key questions people have.

Here are some great videos to help you communicate with your staff and clients, and their families:

 

Coronavirus video – Social Distancing that shows how people can help stop the spread by keeping our distance through social distancing guidelines and alternative ways of greeting.

 

Coronavirus video – Help Stop The Spread shows how people can help stop the spread of germs with some practical tips, such as covering coughing/sneezing, washing hands and what to do if you’re sick.

 

Queensland Health’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Flatten the Curve Animation which explains what it means when people are talking about ‘flattening the curve’.

 

Tele-Health

Using alternative methods of connection such as Telehealth is one of the many ways that organisations in health settings can contribute to social distancing.

The Australian Government Department of Health has introduced MBS Temporary Telehealth Items to support the response to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Multiple factsheets are available to outline changes to the Medicare Benefit Schedule (MBS) and bulk billing. These changes are to ensure continued access to essential Medicare rebated consultation services (as of 30 Mar 2020)

For more information visit the Medicare Benefit Schedule web page here.