COVID-19 Response

Barkuma's Response to Coronavirus - 14 April 2020

Dear valued employee/family member/customer,

I am writing to provide an update about where things are up to in relation to Barkuma’s response to COVID-19. Firstly I would like to acknowledge that this may be a particularly stressful time for you and your family and would like to assure you that Barkuma remains committed to providing the best possible supports to our clients and their families during this time and to ensure the safety and wellbeing of you, our staff and volunteers.

To continue to play our role in limiting the spread of COVID-19, Barkuma has increased the frequency of cleaning at all sites (including accommodation sites), increased our infection control processes and continues to provide training and easy read information to employees to assist with understanding. Your continued support in reinforcing these simple and effective measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 is greatly appreciated;

Practicing good hand hygiene,
Practicing good cough and sneeze etiquette,
Practicing physical distancing (social distancing),
Staying home if unwell,
Conducting essential travel only, and
Adhering to the recommended limits for public gatherings.

At this time there has not been any confirmed COVID-19 cases within Barkuma and our sites and services continue to operate in line with recommendations made by the Commonwealth Department of Health, SA Health Department, National Disability Insurance Scheme, NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and the Department of Social Services. Any change to these arrangements will be communicated as soon as possible.

For those customers and employees who are currently self-isolating attempts are being made by Barkuma staff to make contact with you and your family (if appropriate) to make sure you stay connected and up to date with any relevant information. If you have not been contacted recently and would like to be contacted or are thinking about transitioning back into work also please contact Barkuma on 84147100 and your call will be transferred to an appropriate person.

Please note any employee, contractor or visitor cannot work and/or visit a Barkuma site if they are sick with a cold, cough or fever, and/or it is known that you have been in contact with a person who has Coronavirus. As a further precaution any Barkuma employee who has been off sick, must provide a clearance to work from their Doctor before they come back to work. All employees and visitors that have just returned from overseas must self-isolate for 14 days after they come to Australia and cannot attend any Barkuma sites and accommodation.

Due to the amount of information currently circulating about COVID-19, Barkuma has decided to use the following as primary sources of information. These sites also contain useful information and resources for individuals.

If you have any questions about COVID-19 or Barkuma’s response please don’t hesitate to make contact via email at COVID19@barkuma.com.au.

Thank you for your continued support of Barkuma and we look forward to continuing to work with you into the future.

Yours sincerely,

Simon Rowberry

Chief Executive Officer