From time to time infectious diseases develop into epidemics or pandemics, and create increased risks for the community. These occasions require specific policies targeted at the particular disease in question and general efforts at preparedness.
1.1 Bliss Home Care Services (Bliss HCS) wishes as far as possible to protect its clients, its staff, its volunteers, and the general public from infection or contagion by epidemics and/or pandemics.
1.2 Bliss HCS will facilitate, through its policies and procedures, strategies designed to reduce risks to its clients, its staff, its volunteers, and the general public.
1.3 Bliss HCS will comply with all directions from authorised public health officers and recognised medical authorities in relation to the epidemic or pandemic.
2.1 The purpose of this policy is to outline the strategies and actions that Bliss HCS intends to take to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases that are epidemics or pandemics, and control the transmission of infectious diseases when a case/s is identified. For the purpose of this policy, infectious diseases mean diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi; the diseases can be spread, directly or indirectly, from one person to another. This policy is focused on infectious diseases that are declared to be an epidemic or pandemic.
For our people (i.e. team, office residents)
5 For guests visiting our office
4.1Bliss HCS recognises that staff may request or require paid and unpaid leave when they are unwell, at risk of or vulnerable to infection, and at risk of infecting others.
4.2Workers may make use of leave consistent with Bliss HCS leave policy, relevant industrial instruments, and the National Employment Standards (including access to unpaid leave).
4.3Bliss HCS may, at its discretion, direct those affected or reasonably at risk of being affected by the pandemic or epidemic, to remain away from the workplace or work remotely.
In carrying out the procedures listed below, Bliss HCS will be guided by the information and directions provided by local health authorities and the World Health Organisation, and its occupational health and safety obligations.
6.1 Australian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza (AHMPPI)
6.2 Health.Gov.au
6.3 Smart Traveller
6.5 Coronavirus Health Information Line - 1800 020 080
6.6VIC Health Department - 1800 675 398
7.1Wash your hands frequently and for at least 20 seconds each time. The use of soap and water is preferable, but you may use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60-95% alcohol) if soap and water is not available.
7.2In the office, routinely clean all frequently touched surfaces such as workstations, countertops, doorknobs (we have Dettol wipes in the cupboard behind the front desk).
7.3Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
7.4Follow good respiratory hygiene. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then dispose the used tissue immediately.
7.5Be extra vigilant on public transport and in large crowds. If possible, maintain at least a 1.5 metre distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
7.6Use hand sanitizer in public areas (i.e. opening doors, entering trains, trams, exiting the lavatory).
7.7Sleeping well and eating healthy also goes a long way in keeping our immune systems strong.
Coronavirus FAQs (Source: health.gov.au)
What is coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can make humans and animals sick. They cause illnesses that can range from the common cold to more severe diseases.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan City in China. Other coronaviruses include Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
Symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Some people will recover easily, and others may get very sick very quickly. People with coronavirus may experience:
Surgical masks in the community are helpful in preventing people who have coronavirus disease from spreading it to others. Find out more in this fact sheet about the use of surgical masks.
Everyone should practise good hygiene to protect against infections. Good hygiene includes:
Read more about protective measures against coronavirus on the World Health Organization website. If you have a confirmed case, you need to isolate yourself to prevent it spreading to other people.
If you become unwell and think you may have symptoms of coronavirus, seek medical attention. Call ahead of time to book an appointment. Tell your doctor about your symptoms, travel history and any recent close contact with someone who has coronavirus.
If you must leave home to see your doctor, wear a surgical mask (if you have one) to protect others.If you have serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, call 000 for urgent medical help.
There is no treatment for coronavirus, but medical care can treat most of the symptoms. Antibiotics do not work on viruses. If you have been diagnosed with coronavirus, isolate yourself in your home.
Do not go to public places, such as work, school, shopping centres, childcare or university. If possible, ask other people to get food and other necessities for you and leave them at your front door. Only people who usually live with you should be in your home. Do not let in visitors. You do not need to wear a mask in your home. If you need to leave home to seek medical attention, wear a surgical mask (if you have one) to protect others.
To find out more, read this home isolation information sheet.
For more information, you can refer to:
