Update 2 - Actions that SkillsConnection have taken to tackle coronavirus

Dear Participant, 17-Mar-2020

RE: coronavirus / COVID-19
The fact that the Coronavirus is impacting the world is now common knowledge. You may be wondering what SkillsConnection is doing to reduce the risk and minimise the impact.
First and foremost, we have been communicating with our coordinators and staff since 24-Jan-2020 about the virus, and more recently on how to reduce the probability of infection.
The incubation period is believed to average around 5 days but can be longer. Staff that have been travelling overseas must self-isolate for 14 days upon returning to Australia in case they have caught the virus but are not aware that they have.
Additional sterilisation of buses and facilities is also occurring, and where staff feel they may have been impacted, they are requested to stay at home and find out if they are “At Risk” by following a process that has been communicated to them. In the first instance, this is ringing 1800 675 398 or by ringing their local GP who will instruct on what to do next.
We have also cancelled the holiday program and the swimming program for the time being.
While research is still in early stages, it is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment). If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose at all times.
The important steps to reduce the probability of getting Coronavirus are hand and respiratory hygiene, social distancing and self- isolation.
We are also requesting that if you have come into contact with someone who has travelled overseas, to please let SkillsConnection know.
Thank you for your support and we appreciate the fact that we will get through this together.
If you have any questions, please ring us on 5231 2333 or email us on info@skillsconnection.org.au
With Regards,

Marita Brady
CEO
SkillsConnection Inc.

Useful links regarding Coronavirus:-

World Health Organisation
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Australian Government Department of Health
https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert

Victorian Department of Health and Human Services
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

Colac Otway Shire
https://www.colacotway.vic.gov.au/Community-services/Health-protection/Infection-disease-control/Coronavirus-information-for-the-community

Other Documentation:

Self-assessment for risk of coronavirus (COVID-19)
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/202003/2001628_COVID-19%20Self%20assessment%20for%20risk.pdf

Reduce your risk of Coronavirus poster
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/202003/Reduce%20your%20risk%20of%20coronavirus_Poster.pdf

Wash your hands regularly poster

https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/Api/downloadmedia/%7B315232D5-002E-400F-BEF3-AC457586851A%7D

Cover your cough and sneeze poster
https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/Api/downloadmedia/%7B2D6408F0-991C-430E-8FB0-9AB4DBB6B891%7D

Coronavirus Disease – COVID-19 – Factsheet for Victorian public
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-factsheet-victorian-public-updated-21-february-2020

Coronavirus Disease – COVID-19 – Factsheet for people aged over 65 years
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-factsheet-people-aged-over-65-years

Home Isolation Guidance – Australian Federal Government
https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/03/coronavirus-covid-19-isolation-guidance_2.pdf

Wash your hands!