28 July 2022

COVID-19 outbreak prevention and management

There is currently a surge of COVID-19 and influenza across Australia and it is important we do all that we can to protect those at greatest risk.

The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) expects the new wave of COVID-19 infections will lead to a substantial increase in infections, hospitalisations and deaths.

One of the best ways we can protect people at greater risk of COVID-19 and influenza is by supporting them to stay up to date with their vaccinations where they need assistance.

There are steps you can take to protect the participants you support, including:

• Talking to participants about COVID-19 vaccination and influenza vaccination and supporting them to access vaccinations, including information for decision-making.
• Arranging an in-reach booster service with your vaccination provider at your supported accommodation or supported independent living (SIL) service as a priority. Vaccination can also be accessed through GPs and pharmacies.
• Reviewing your infection prevention and control arrangements to ensure they are implemented and understood by your workers, including the availability and use of personal protection equipment (PPE) and rapid antigen tests (RATs).
• Facilitating COVID-19 testing for participants with symptoms and assisting with access to antiviral oral treatment for eligible participants who have COVID-19.
• Ensuring your workers are fully vaccinated in accordance with AHPPC recommendations and public health orders in your state or territory.

Outbreak prevention and management

You should review and update your emergency management plans to reduce risks and ensure the continuity of supports critical to the health, safety and wellbeing of participants. For guidance on your planning obligations, visit the NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators webpage.

Your planning must consider workforce contingencies in the event that COVID-19 infection and isolation requirements affects the availability of your workers. For access to resources developed by providers, visit the NDIS website.

You should also have a COVID-19 outbreak management plan and take reasonable precautions to minimise infection risk. For more information on creating an outbreak management plan, read the COVID-19 outbreak preparedness, prevention and management fact sheet.

Reporting obligations

You must notify the NDIS Commission of certain changes and events that significantly affect your ability to provide supports and services. COVID-19 related changes and events, including workforce shortages, changes to delivery of supports and services, and COVID-19 infections must be reported using the COVID-19 notification form.

Notifications allow us to monitor and act on risks for participants and understand the impact on the sector. This includes facilitating support for participants and providers from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) where necessary to maintain continuity of critical supports.  

For more information, visit the Notice of changes and events webpage.

Winter Relief Workforce

To assist with workforce shortages, the NDIA and IPA Personnel have created a Winter Relief Workforce register for qualified disability support workers to be deployed on a short-term basis where required.

Providers can request Winter Relief Workforce staff as needed by emailing provider.support@ndis.gov.au or using the COVID-19 notification form.

Experienced disability support workers who are not currently working in disability support are encouraged to register, including those who are retired or close to completing relevant qualifications.

COVID-19 vaccine winter dose

ATAGI has updated its recommendations for a COVID-19 vaccine winter dose to help reduce severe disease from the emerging surge of infections.

People who are eligible for a winter dose, including residents of disability accommodation services and people aged 16 years or older with disability and significant health needs, remain at higher risk of severe disease and death from COVID-19 and should receive a winter dose as soon as possible.

For more information, read the ATAGI statement.

Further information

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines and to access resources, visit the COVID-19 vaccine information webpage.