6 August 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Workplace Directions from Victoria’s Public Health Commander

This alert highlights key points from the Workplace Directions issued by Victoria’s Public Health Commander on 5 August 2020.

Key points

• These Workplace Directions clarify the obligations of employers and workers in managing the risks associated with COVID-19.
• Please read and implement the actions outlined in the Work Directions.
• The COVID-19 Planning Resource for people with disability helps people with disability exercise control by planning how to manage during the pandemic, and what to do if they experience symptoms.

Workplace Directions

Victoria’s Public Health Commander, Dr Finn Romanes, has issued Workplace Directions which aim to limit the number of Victorians attending workplaces, and to clarify the obligations of employers and workers in managing the risks associated with COVID-19.

The full list of Workplace Directions includes directions about preventative measures and responding to suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the workplace.

Please read and implement the actions outlined in the Work Directions.

In particular, we remind you of the importance of taking the necessary steps to minimise the number of workers working across multiple premises.

COVID-19 Planning resource for people with disability

The COVID-19 Planning resource for people with disability helps people with disability to get the facts about COVID-19, make a plan for how they will manage during the pandemic, and know what to do if they experience symptoms.

Please share the resource with the people you support, and their families/guardians, as this is one way to support NDIS participants to exercise choice and control in the current situation.

Further information, alerts and resources

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) information webpage on the NDIS Commission website contains links to updates, training, alerts and other resources.

We also have a COVID-19 webpage containing information for people with disability, and a webpage of frequently asked questions about COVID-19 for all stakeholders.

Contact Us

• Call: 1800 035 544 (free call from landlines). Our contact centre is open 9.00am to 4.30pm in the NT, 9.00am to 5.00pm in the ACT, NSW, QLD, SA, TAS and VIC Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
• Email: contactcentre@ndiscommission.gov.au
• Website: www.ndiscommission.gov.au

Links to previous COVID-19 provider alerts 

• 3 August 2020: Webinar on 4 August: What stage 4 restrictions mean for Victorian disability services
• 30 July 2020: Preparing for and managing a COVID-19 outbreak in Victoria and New South Wales 
• 20 July 2020: NSW Health guidance for all residential disability outlets
• 17 July 2020: New guidance on PPE use by disability workers in Victorian COVID-19 hotspots
• 13 July 2020: Reminder of COVID-19 reporting obligations
• 7 July 2020: Guidance on using personal protective equipment (PPE) for disability support workers
• 27 May 2020: Guidance from the Australian Government Department of Health
• 13 May 2020: Guidance on preventing, preparing for and dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak
• 7 May 2020: Advice for people with disability
• 30 April 2020: Changes to student visa work conditions for workers of registered NDIS providers
• 28 April 2020: FAQs for all stakeholders and information for NDIS participants
• 20 April 2020: Management and Operational Plan for People with Disability
• 9 April 2020: Further assistance for organisations, people and households
• 9 April 2020: April 2020 Provider Newsletter (COVID-19)
• 3 April 2020: Adjusting supports and reducing infection risk
• 2 April 2020:  Practice Alert: Influenza (flu) vaccine from mid-April 2020
• 31 March 2020: Supporting providers to respond
• 26 March 2020: Assistance for organisations
• 24 March 2020: Information for support workers and access to PPE
• 19 March 2020: Business continuity planning
• 17 March 2020: Online training module for support workers
• 9 March 2020: Provider obligations and COVID-19 health information
• 7 February 2020: Information about the novel coronavirus outbreak