DFFH has released fact sheets for community services covered by care facilities and general community services dated 1 April which include updated COVID-19 requirements.

The fact sheets identify when guidance is recommended and when it is a requirement which will give service providers greater clarity.

Recommended guidelines are to be implemented within a COVID-19 risk management approach that includes individual settings and the needs of people with disabilities attending disability services. In times of increased COVID-19 risk, these recommended guidelines will be revised to be requirements when necessary.

Care facilities

Staff and visitor screening requirements

Providers can advise their workers, paid and unpaid, and visitors that they do not need to declare symptoms due to allergies and/or underlying chronic conditions such as asthma when undergoing screening.

Anyone reporting for screening who is unsure if their symptoms are due to COVID-19, should go home, get tested and seek advice from their doctor.

Screening for anyone who has attended a current exposure site remains a high priority and providers should check the Victorian travel restrictions website regularly.

Visitors and face masks

All visitors to a care facility must wear a face mask indoors, and it is recommended that a face mask also be worn outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained.

Community services including centre-based and day programs 

Record keeping  

All community facilities are required to use the free Victorian Government QR Code Service or one of the identified digital recording keeping system that can connect with this. Essential support groups and health services are excluded from this rule if confidentiality is typically required.

Organisations covered by the care facilities directions are not required to use a QR code but must screen and keep a record of people entering the premises. 

Care facilities Directions (No 25) (PDF)
Care facilities Directions (No 25) (Word)

Community settings PPE requirements

Surgical face masks are recommended to be worn by disability workers (paid and unpaid) and people with disability when physical distancing of at least 1.5 metres cannot be maintained.

Public face masks requirements relaxed i.e face masks are no longer required in retail settings, however, must be carried at all times. Face masks must be worn when travelling on public transport, in commercial passenger vehicles, when visiting a hospital or care facility indoor location (unless a lawful exemption applies).

Testing remains a priority

Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 however mild, must get tested and isolate at home until they receive a negative result.

If providers have clients who require testing, DHHS request you email the contact details to . 

DFFH is updating its advice of any further changes relevant to the disability sector, which we will publish on the NDS website when it becomes available.  We encourage disability service providers to regularly check the DFFH Coronavirus daily update.

Read the article on NDS