The Growing Space:

• COVID-19 symptoms, preparation, keeping safe, support worker safety, restrictions in Australia, and what to do if you get sick
• Tips for keeping wheelchairs and other equipment and surfaces clean
• Top 31 ways to use support workers while avoiding COVID-19
• Warning stop sign for your front door – alerting people to not enter if they have virus symptoms here

If you or your support workers use PPE as a regular part of your support arrangements, you should continue to do so.

If you and your support worker are well and do not usually use PPE, there is no need to wear face masks.

All states are regularly making announcements about COVID safe practices and requirements.
Check out the latest information and advice in your state below. 

For information about accessing NDIS funding for PPE, please refer to this web page for the latest advice.

If you are using an agency to access support workers, they need to provide their staff with PPE such as masks, sanitiser and gloves. They are required to provide these to you and to your support workers if either of you have any cold or flu symptoms. Talk to your agency if this is not being followed.

If you directly employ your support workers, you may need to provide PPE. If you self-manage, and require close personal care, you may be able to use your consumables budget to buy PPE.

If you don’t have enough funding in your budget, or if you are agency managed, call the NDIS for a light touch plan review on 1800 800 110 and press 5.

For more information about these plan reviews check out this video.

Talk to your support coordinator or your planner/local area coordinator if you have any questions about how you can use your funding.

National Medical Stockpile: The Australian Government has prioritised PPE distribution from the National Medical Stockpile (NMS) to NDIS providers and self-managing participants who are most in need.

You can find out more and submit a request here.

All requests are reviewed by the Department of Health.

Handwashing
Regular hand washing is an important way to prevent the spread of infection. Thoroughly washing hands with soap and water is more effective than using hand sanitiser. Hand sanitiser is useful when in the community or if you do not have access to soap and water.

It is also important that you ask your support workers to regularly wash their hands, especially when they arrive and before they leave.

Here is more information from the Department of Health: Good hygiene for coronavirus (COVID-19)

Cleaning
Cleaning surfaces in the home that are regularly touched can reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. Use disinfectant to clean surfaces including door knobs, light switches, taps and phones.

Department of Health: Australian Department of Health Guidelines on effective household cleaning

Choice Magazine: Cleaning in the time of coronavirus

Choice Magazine: How to clean your smartphone to protect against COVID-19

Australian Government Disability Information Line: 1800 643 787

NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission: COVID-19 information for people with a disability

Australian Government Department of Health: Advice for people with a disability during COVID-19

Department of Social Services: COVID-19 accessible resources

Department of Health: Management and Operational Plan for People with Disability

NDIS: COVID-19 Health and Safety Q & A

Training for disability support workers on PPE: COVID-19 PPE for disability support workers video

World Health Organisation: COVID-19 advice for the public