Covid-19 Return to Work Update

As we step down to reduced restrictions, we must obey the Level 4 Restrictions as directed by SA Health.  While there won’t be significant changes to the way we support customers, there will be adjustments that need to be made for the safety of Barkuma staff and customers.

Barkuma’s sites will start to reopen to Barkuma staff from 8am on Wednesday the 28^th of July 2021.  Some Barkuma staff will continue to work from home over the next 7 days.

Any Barkuma staff member or customer directed to quarantine or isolate will need to continue until informed otherwise by SA Health.

Barkuma supports

• Only essential client transport permitted, masks to be worn by both staff and customer
• Uni student placements and ADE work experience to remain on hold until further notice
• SLES to remain to be serviced on line
• Wherever possible meetings and activities to be conducted virtually.

 Face Masks

• Wearing of Face Masks will continue to be compulsory in all Accommodation and Respite sites until further notice.
• Face Masks will be compulsory when transporting Barkuma customers to essential activities.
• Wearing of facemasks is strongly encouraged in all other Barkuma settings both internal and external environments. If you can wear a mask – wear a mask.

 Physical spaces

• In all settings (excluding customers’ homes) only one person per 4 square meters is allowed.
• Access to sites will be restricted to Barkuma staff and customers (people being directly supported by Barkuma) and essential deliveries only.
• The use of QR codes or manual COVID-19 sign in sheets will be mandatory
• Face masks must be worn in any Barkuma site.

A Message To Our Supported Employees

How great it was to see most staff back at Elizabeth and Holden Hill today.

We understand the significance of work in the lives of our staff, as well as the friendships they have at Barkuma.

Thank you for observing the Level 4 restrictions that are in place across South Australia, including the workplace.

A few friendly reminders to keep us all safe and healthy:

• Only staff are allowed on Barkuma sites. We ask family, carers or transport drivers to wait outside when picking up/dropping off staff. If weather is wet, you may wait in your car and we will send staff out.

• Masks must be worn at work. Health SA directives are 'If you can wear a mask- wear a mask". This is an expectation of all staff. Exceptions may be provided for those with breathing difficulties, who wear hearing aids or who have other conditions. Please speak to your manager if you believe you need an exemption.

• QR code and signing In. Signing in by QR code or manually is mandatory at Barkuma sites. Please ensure you and the person you support know how to do this process.

• Staff will be assisted to physically distance in their workspace, encouraged to wash hands regularly and thoroughly, and observe cough and sneeze etiquette.

• Stay home if you are unwell and seek medical advice if you have symptoms.

• Be aware of exposure sites. Full list and details change frequently, stay up to date here:https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/conditions/infectious+diseases/covid-19/testing+and+tracing/contact+tracing/contact+tracing

• If you are willing, able and eligible, please get vaccinated.

If we all follow these Level 4 restrictions, we will be in a good place to return to a more comfortable normal in the near future.

The Royal Commission

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of people with a disability was established on the 4^th of April 2019 with the signing of the letters patent by the Governor- General.

Barkuma supports the Royal Commission: everyone has the right to live free of abuse, neglect or exploitation.

Read more about the Royal Commission