Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a new virus.

Symptoms range from a mild cough to pneumonia. Some people recover easily, others may get very sick very quickly. There is evidence that it spreads from person to person. Good hygiene can prevent infection. COVID-19 can be life-threatening for people with compromised immune systems. In accordance with the advice of the Australian Government, we ask and encourage everyone to stay informed, stay safe and be proactive to help contain the spread of COVID-19. 

It's important to stay informed and plan ahead. 

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SUPPORT FROM KYND

We are open for business and here to help. Please contact our support team at: 

- Email team@kynd.com.au
- Phone 07 5559 6532

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Australian Government

Government websites are updated daily with the latest advice. 

Australian Department of Health: 
www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov

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Prevention

Practising good hand and sneeze/cough hygiene and keeping away from others when they are — or if you are — sick is the best defence against most viruses. You also should always: 

  • Wash your hands with soap/water, before and after eating, and after the toilet.
  • Cover your cough and sneeze, dispose of tissues, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
  • Avoid touching your face, nose and mouth. And avoid shaking hands.
  • Stay home if you are unwell.
  • Avoid contact with anyone unwell – stay 2m away from anyone coughing or sneezing.
  • If unwell, avoid contact with others (stay more than 2 metres from people).
  • Exercise personal responsibility for social distancing measures.

Looking after yourself by eating a healthy, balanced diet, getting regular physical activity, sleeping well and reducing stress is important all the time.

Wearing a surgical mask is only helpful in preventing people who have COVID-19 from spreading it. If you are well, you do not need to wear a surgical mask as there is little evidence supporting the widespread use of surgical masks in healthy people to prevent transmission in public. Find out more about the use of surgical masks.

We recommend everyone (inc. Support Pros) train themselves on preventative action.

Read protective measures against coronavirus on the World Health Organization website.

If you have a confirmed case, you must isolate yourself to prevent spreading it to others. 

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IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT EXPOSURE 

It's important to follow government advice. 

Please ensure you read the Government's advice on "Quarantine for COVID-19". 

A person with coronavirus (COVID-19) or who is suspected to have it must go into mandatory isolation. There are the steps you must take if you go into Isolation. 

Please ensure you read the Government's updates on "Physical Distancing". 

Understandably, any disruption to a persons support or work can be very challenging. 

If you or someone you have been in contact with has tested positive for COVID-19, or are being tested and are perceived high risk or are required to self-isolate due to exposure or Government regulations, please inform your support workers and / or your clients (Members) immediately.

We also suggest thinking about plans for informal supports in the event your supports are temporarily disrupted. You can also consider Virtual Support and Indirect Support options for the time being.

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Support Services
Home isolation, quarantine periods and/or the spread of COVID-19 can be stressful and may leave you feeling concerned. A range of support services are available, including talking to a counsellor or a health professional.

Head to Health
The Head to Health website provides links to trusted Australian mental health online and phone supports, resources and treatment options. It also digital information resources. Some of the support services include:

Lifeline 13 11 14

Beyond Blue 1300 224 636

Mensline Australia 1300 789 978

Kids Helpline 1800 551 800

Headspace  1800 650 890

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NDIS and Coronavirus

www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/ndis-and-other-government-services/ndis-and-disaster-response

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QLD Government Info

www.health.qld.gov.au/clinical-practice/guidelines-procedures/diseases-infection/diseases/coronavirus

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NSW Government Info

www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx

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In-Person Support Services 

Before a Support Worker provides or a Kynd Member / NDIS Participant receives in-person or at-home support services during this COVID-19, Members and Support Workers must also consider:

1. Are you self-isolating, or is someone in your household self-isolating, due to any symptoms? * ie. flu symptoms, respiratory symptoms (coughing or difficulty breathing) or any fever.  

2. Do you, or does someone you live or had contact with, have a diagnosed or suspected case?

3. Have you returned from overseas travel in the past 2 weeks or are you required to self-isolate?

4. Have you been in contact with, or do you live with, someone who has returned from overseas? 

Members and Support Workers need to make each other aware, if answering Yes to any of the above questions. If you answer yes to any of the above, in-person support should be avoided. 

Depending on your situation, "Virtual Support" and "Indirect Support" may provide suitable alternatives for now. If you need info, please contact the team at Kynd asap.

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Government websites are updated daily with the latest advice. 

Australian Department of Health: 
www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov

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