While it seems COVID-19 is no longer leading the news headlines every night, on the ground we know it is still having a significant impact on the important work we do in the community.
Whether it’s caring directly for children and young people who are COVID positive, supporting carers who may have tested positive or are required to isolate with a young person, or ensuring staff have the appropriate equipment and support to do their jobs safely – we are so grateful for the dedication and commitment our partners have shown in this challenging time. Third dose (booster) – Emergency Management Directions A reminder that staff working in the delivery or management of direct services to children, young people and families are required to receive a third dose (booster) of a TGA approved COVID-19 vaccine within 4 months of their second dose, or within 4 months after a positive test result (whichever is the later), under the two Emergency Management directions below. Accordingly, any staff who received their second dose prior to 30 October 2021 should now have received their booster, unless they have subsequently tested positive for COVID-19. More information about these directions are available at these links:
Working with Children Checks You may have become aware of new regulations that came into effect on 3 February 2022 to provide for new ‘work on application’ provisions for Working with Children Checks (WWCC). The Department for Child Protection (DCP)’s requirements will not change. DCP continues to require all NGO staff and volunteers contracted by DCP to have a WWCC before commencing employment as well as all carers, household members and regular visitors to have a WWCC. Rapid Antigen Tests The availability of supplies to support your work with children and young people, and carers, continues to be an area of focus. The department recently received another allocation of rapid antigen tests (RATs). A third delivery of RATs left our warehouse on Monday 28 February for distribution to our partners across the state. Any requests for additional RATs should be made to DCPSupplyChain@sa.gov.au and will be made on a case-by-case basis subject to supply availability. ‘Classroom contact’ – what does it mean? With all students returning to face-to-face learning there has undoubtedly been some levels of uncertainty from staff and carers about what this means for children and young people who come into contact with a class mate who has tested positive to COVID-19. The Department for Education and SA Health have published a number of useful documents that provide advice on what to do if a child or young person is a ‘classroom contact’. The clear messaging is that children are encouraged to continue attending school as long as they do not have any symptoms. You can find more information on the SA Health website. Any COVID-19 related questions should be directed to Sue Barr at sue.barr@sa.gov.au |