COVID-19 Response:
Keeping Seniors Safe
Newcastle Meals on Wheels response to COVID-19 is rapidly changing in line with Department of Health and National Guidelines. Our overall goal is to ensure our service is provided to all those in need whilst reducing the potential spread of coronavirus.
As our clientele is recognised as vulnerable – across our organisation we have taken vital steps and precautions including the following (Oct 2022 update):
- All staff have completed COVID-19 Infection control training through Department of Health, and each location has been recognised as a COVID-SAFE location
- Vaccinations are mandatory for ALL Staff & Volunteers (with exception of HAC program vol’s) – only FULLY (3 doses) vaccinated staff/vols are to have face to face contact with clients.
- Social distancing adhered to inside branches
- Small Groups and Individual social support programs are running with capped numbers for indoor & outdoor activities, Remote- Hav a Chat program running to combat social isolation.
- In-house assessments by our Engagement Team are on hold until at least May 2022, with all assessments and reviews conducted over the phone.
- Encouragement to pay invoices via bank transfer to minimise cash exchange.
- Welcome additional volunteers into our workforce, to reduce cross over at branches, and to also allow our elderly volunteer workforce to step back if they choose.
In return we ask each one of our clients, staff and volunteers to be on the look out for any symptoms and immediately notify their coordinator, if you are unwell, have recently visited a hot spot, or have had contact with someone who has visited a hot spot. If you are a client we will make extra arrangements to ensure that you will still receive your meal delivery – whilst keeping our volunteers safe and well.
If you have any concerns or require some advice during this pandemic, you can contact the 24-hour National Coronavirus Health Line on 1800 020 080 or visit the Department of Health Website for the latest updates.
