COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 Latest Health Advice
The World Health Organisation declared the COVID-19 pandemic no longer an international public health emergency on 5 May 2023. The processes to manage outbreaks at our care homes, and care for home care clients who have COVID-19, have become part of our day to day care management. We remain vigilant with our hand hygiene, require visitors to complete a RAT before entry to our care homes, and effectively use PPE when required.
Any significant updates or changes in the global situation will be noted on this page, however we have moved to directly communicating with affected residents, home care clients, and families as outbreaks or cases occur. We have ongoing plans in place so that we can continue to provide quality care for people in our residential care homes and for the thousands of people in metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia who receive home care services. Our staff at all levels of our organisation are fully aware of all the preventative measures available, and they have access to the latest information and updates.
You can read previous updates that we’ve posted by clicking here. You can also read answers to some frequently asked questions about our response to COVID-19 by clicking here.
Thank you for your support and cooperation during the past three unprecedented years.
The World Health Organisation declared the COVID-19 pandemic no longer an international public health emergency on 5 May 2023. The processes to manage outbreaks at our care homes, and care for home care clients who have COVID-19, have become part of our day to day care management. We remain vigilant with our hand hygiene, require visitors to complete a RAT before entry to our care homes, and effectively use PPE when required.
Any significant updates or changes in the global situation will be noted on this page, however we have moved to directly communicating with affected residents, home care clients, and families as outbreaks or cases occur.
Thank you for your support and cooperation during the past three unprecedented years.
CLICK HERE to visit our frequently asked questions page.
Information for aged care organisations and aged care staff, including further details of the requirements listed below, can be found on the SA Health website.
Personal Protective Equipment
Staff should follow specific advice on personal protective equipment when looking after clients who are confirmed to have, or suspected of having, COVID-19. For more information review the Helping Hand procedures and guidelines available to you on the internal intranet. Further information is available at SA Health’s website
Influenza (Flu) vaccination
It is crucial now, more than ever, for Helping Hand staff to keep their flu vaccination up to date. Free influenza vaccination is available for all staff and volunteers at Helping Hand.
COVID-19 vaccination
Helping Hand strongly recommends that all employees receive COVID-19 vaccinations when they are available, as we work in a high risk setting and are in contact with vulnerable people.
PCR testing
Staff should inform their line manager immediately if they are having a PCR test, and provide evidence of the result, whether it is negative or positive for COVID-19. If the result is positive, the staff member will be advised when they are allowed to return to work.
Given the extensive media coverage of COVID-19, Helping Hand recommends the Department of Health (Federal) website, which provides daily updates with medical advice, alerts and official reporting, or the South Australian Government COVID-19 website for specific information about the situation in our state.
If you are not online, you can phone the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080. This service runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.
CLICK HERE for general advice and mythbusters from the World Health Organisation
Just Clean Your Hands for Visitors
Just Clean Your Hands for Personal Care Staff
Just Clean Your Hands for Housekeeping Staff / Environmental Support
Just Clean Your Hands for Volunteers
CLICK HERE for social distancing guidelines video from Department of Health
CLICK HERE for good hygiene guidelines video from Department of Health
CLICK HERE for ‘stop the spread’ guidelines video from Department of Health