I’m taking this opportunity to update you following the national address by the Prime Minister of Australia and the state address by the Premier of Victoria, who advised that all non-essential services will cease as of Tuesday 24th March 2020.
I wish to advise you that annecto is classified as an essential service and will continue to operate during this difficult time, and we will continue to provide services to you.
We acknowledge that this is going to be a difficult time for all our participants, families and staff, and want to assure you that we will continue to provide support, although there may need to be some adjustments to your usual services. For example, group services will be impacted due to the Government’s advice to ensure that there is a 1.5 metre social distance boundary between people. Please note that all of annecto’s Support Workers are trained in appropriate infection control measures.
Any shifts required for medical appointments, shopping, supplies or home care will still be provided as long as your home is without the COVID-19 virus and you do not present with symptoms. If you are isolated from COVID-19, we will work on other ways to support you.
As there has been a ban on attending certain establishments, depending on your support schedule, we may need to alter social and community outings, and again, we will look at how we can deliver this support differently, whether it be in your home or in one of our offices. Bans have currently shut down pubs, clubs, nightclubs, Crown Casino, licensed venues in hotels and pubs, gyms, indoor sporting venues, places of worship, cinemas and entertainment venues. Restaurants and cafés will only be allowed to provide home delivery and take away services.
Our staff are still here for you and you can call us whenever you like. Additionally, we will be calling you regularly to check in on you during this time, but please remember we are here 24/7 by calling your local office during business hours or the After Hours team on 1300 487 183.
As none of us knows how long this will last, we will keep you informed of developments.
Estelle Fyffe
Chief Executive Officer
