This information should be read in conjunction with information for high-risk settings.
For information about responding to COVID-19 exposures in disability care settings, see:
- managing COVID-19 in disability residential care facilities
- managing COVID-19 in other disability care settings
Screening and prevention
Community and in-home carers and/or workers are recommended to screen all visitors, including staff, prior to entering a setting where disability services and care are provided.
The recommended set of entry questions can be found on the high-risk settings.
If you are interacting with other carers or workers, to support a client or household, consider the following risk mitigations to minimise the risks and impacts of COVID-19 exposures.
- conduct handovers via the phone instead of in person
- minimise carers or workers mixing across shifts by rostering the same people on together where possible
- limit social contact between carers or workers on different shifts
- where possible, hold staff meetings virtually
- have strategies in place to avoid spending time together unmasked in shared rooms, such as dining rooms or kitchens.
Surveillance testing
Public health advice only recommends surveillance testing for carers and workers who work in high risk settings who return to work due to workforce shortages.
You can provide access to testing on a regular basis via your own stockpile of testing resources if you choose to.
Policy and funding relating to this will need to be organised by you as part of your COVID-19 planning (organisational or household).
Rapid antigen tests (RATs)
In the ACT, anyone can collect free RATs from:
- Libraries ACT locations
- Access Canberra service centres – where customers can collect a RAT after transactions.
RATs are also available at Canberra Health Services facilities, including hospitals, Walk-in Centres and health centres, where visitors are encouraged to do a RAT before entering
RATS are also available from retailers, such as pharmacies, supermarkets, and other retail stores.
Don’t attend these locations if you are unwell. Plan ahead and have a RAT at home before you need it.
Eligible NDIS participants and providers can purchase rapid antigen tests (RATs) with funding from their NDIS plan.
Supported independent living providers may be eligible for RATs distributed by the NDIA, or to claim the cost of a RAT from the NDIA.
COVID-19 vaccination
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 will help protect you from severe disease.
More information is available on the ACT Health COVID-19 vaccine website.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
The ACT Government will provide support for the community sector and for Canberrans with a disability to access Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where they having difficulty accessing it directly.
Supplies of PPE are limited and requests will be prioritised based on the current health advice for use of PPE relevant to the setting and the capacity of the organisation/individual to access PPE through alternative mechanisms.
NDIS participants may be able to access funding from their NDIS plans for PPE.
For more information, see NDIS COVID-19 Your Health and Safety.
Disability providers and self-managed NDIS participants who cannot acquire the equipment they need through their usual way can request access to PPE from the National Medical Stockpile by contacting NDISCOVIDPPE@health.gov.au.
If people have exhausted all other means of supply (including their usual suppliers, buying online etc.) you can approach Community Services Directorate to request PPE stocks.
Requests for PPE can be submitted through the PPE online request form (below).
This includes for face masks and hand sanitiser.
If you have any questions, please email the Community Services Directorate.
Community Access
Any planned outings for accessing services, supports, activities, or facilities outside of the home should follow COVID Smart behaviours.
Restrictive practices and rights
In the ACT, restrictive practices cannot be used to administer any voluntary medical procedures, including COVID-19 vaccinations.
More information is available on the Community Services Directorate website, including a factsheet from the ACT’s Office of the Senior Practitioner.
COVID-19 testing
See COVID-19 testing.
