COVID-19 (Corona Virus)
We understand that the spread of COVID-19 has caused a great deal of unrest throughout society. We also understand that these affects have been felt by carers, as they worry about the safety of their care recipient and struggle to find necessary items as a result of panic buying.
As your Tasmanian Carer Gateway Service Provider, Care2Serve are dedicated to providing quality support to carers at every stage in their caring journey. As the situation unfolds, we have been closely working alongside the Carers Australia and The Department of Social Services to ensure that carers are supported.
Below we have compiled a list of useful information and resources to help carers understand the virus, as well as available supports.
HOW DOES THE VIRUS SPREAD?
The virus most commonly spreads through:
- Airborne contact from an infected persons cough or sneeze
- Close contact with someone affected by the virus
- Contact with surfaces that have had cough or sneeze droplets from an infected person
WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MYSELF?
- Avoid touching your face, mouth and eyes where possible
- Regularly wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, and use alcohol based sanitizer when possible
- Avoid public spaces and events unless absolutely necessary
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue, and dispose correctly
HOW DO I PROTECT SOMEONE IN MY CARE?
The most effective way to protect someone in your care is to adopt good hygiene practices, as outlined above.
If you feel unwell, or exhibit the known symptoms of COVID-19 it is best, when possible, to avoid direct contact with others. We understand that this is difficult for those in a caring role, as they’re often the only person available to provide care for someone. If you’re having difficulties finding someone to relieve you in your caring role, the following additional steps may prove helpful:
- Wear a face-mask when in the proximity of your care recipient
- Frequently sanitise surfaces and objects that you and your care recipient come into contact with
- Keep more than one metre of space between each-other when possible
WHAT IF I NEED TO SELF-ISOLATE?
If your caring role is impacted as a result of entering quarantine or self-isolation, please phone us on 03 6144 2729 and we will do what we can to provide additional support.
WHO TO CONTACT?
If you think you might have COVID-19:
Have you recently travelled or had contact with a confirmed case of the virus?
If so phone 1800 671 738 – Otherwise phone 1800 022 022
For general questions about COVID-19: 1800 020 080
For support relating to your role as a carer: (03) 6144 3729
If you’re an NDIS participant concerned about your exposure to the virus: 1800 020 080
If you require interpretation: Phone 131 450, tell them your preferred language and the number you’re dialling for
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?
Australian Department of Health
Tasmania Department of Health
World Health Organisation
National Disability Services
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
My Aged Care
Carers Tasmania
