What is COVID-19?
As stated by SafeWork NSW (article here), COVID-19 is a new coronavirus which can cause respiratory illness in humans and animals. The symptoms in comparison to other illnesses are here. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that COVID-19 is a pandemic. Currently, Australia does not have widespread community transmission of COVID-19. Employees who have returned from a country or region that is at high or moderate risk for COVID-19 should monitor their health closely and will be required to complete mandatory self-isolation at hotel facilities for 14 days following their return. If you are unwell, contact your health car provider over the phone to seek advice and avoid contact with others (stay more than 1.5 metres from others outside or 2 square metres indoors).
Workplace Health Guidelines
It’s important to monitor advice given by the Australian Government Department of health for the latest information in relation to the spread and clinical management of the disease. It is also important to observe the Department of Human Services and the directives set out relating to workers and their safety. This advice extends to the responsibility of our staff, whom we require to follow these directives when considering the wider community. The guidelines we expect our staff to adhere to ensure that we are managing a safe workplace for all, and are as detailed in this policy below. Whilst at work, and home, continue basic preventative measures;
- Practice advanced hygiene standards including frequently washing hands with soap and water,
before and after eating, and after going to the toilet - Cover your cough and sneeze
- Dispose of tissues
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitiser
- Responsible desk cleanliness such as; utilising cleaning wipes on keyboards/mouse and no
hot-desking - Clean wipe laptops, mobile phones, car keys and other regularly used items
- Ensuring that communal kitchen areas are cleaned regularly
If you would like to hear further information, do not hesitate to call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080. This line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For daily updates on the current situation, latest case numbers and related numbers please go to the Australian Government Department of Health here.