COVID19 update for staff

As part of PQSA's WHS obligations, we must provide and maintain a working environment that is safe and free of risks to health, so far as is reasonably practicable. Similarly, you must take reasonable care for your health and safety in the workplace and for the health and safety of others who may be affected by what you do or don't do.

If you are feeling unwell, you should stay home and away from the workplace. Please familiarise yourself with the Department of Health COVID-19 information as specific requirements are in place for people who have returned from a region that is at high or moderate risk for COVID-19, or think they may have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.

You can find SA Health advice here. This page is updated regularly.

Our policy remains that we follow expert medical and health advice at all times and we support the COVID-19 vaccination rollout to all of our clients and workers, unless you are advised otherwise by a medical practitioner. You can contact us at any time if you have any questions regarding the current advice.

COVID-19 Advice for Workers

The South Australian Government has removed most restrictions with regard to COVID-19, however, a few recommendations still remain which are important for our workers to be aware of.

If you test positive to COVID-19, you must still inform SA Health. This can be done here:

What to do if I test positive for COVID-19

If your work with PQSA and HomeCare+ means you are in direct contact with people living with a disability, you must ensure you remain away from vulnerable people for at least seven (7) days after having tested positive and be symptom free before you may return to work. More information can be found on the link above.

In the most recent update in January from SA Health with regards to a relaxation of mask use within disability services, we were advised that given reported cases of COVID-19 in the community were reducing, SIL providers may de-activate mask policies for both workers and visitors to SIL homes. Professor Spurrier added that we will reinstate mask wearing as required where one client tests positive to COVID-19, or as advised directly by SA Health.

We will continue to monitor the need for mask use as always and will advise if these recommendations change.

For any further information, please visit SA Health's COVID-19 page at:

COVID-19 Health Information

• PPE

Additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided in higher risk settings, such as when a client is classified as a close contact. Please make sure you read our regular email updates that include information about PPE as well as instructional videos regarding how to wear it effectively.

• Checking In & Hand Hygiene

QR code scanning must still be used in our offices and where located in supported independent living (24/7 support sites) and you must continue to follow good hand hygiene practices and not go to work if you are feeling unwell.