Subee Newlake is committed to ensuring, as much as possible, the safety and security of it’s clients, employees and the greater community.
With the current outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and the risk it presents, we issue this letter to provide you with up to date information and instructions on what to do to reduce the risk.
This information is current as of the 11th March 2020 and may change as a result of further updates from the Department of Health.
If you or a client has any of the following symptoms:
Fever
Cough
Runny nose
Shortness of breath
Sore throat
Aches
Fatigue
AND/OR
Has travelled to a country considered to be an “Outbreak Region”
As of the 11th March the following countries are considered to be “Outbreak Regions” (However this is likely to increase)
China
Iran
South Korea
Italy
Cambodia
Hong Kong
Japan
Thailand
Singapore
Indonesia

AND/OR
Has been in contact with someone who has been overseas to any of these listed countries
Has been in contact with someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19
Has been in contact with someone who is reasonably suspected of having COVID-19

We would ask that you notify us immediately through your immediate Supervisor
We can assist by providing you with further, current information that will include how to minimise the spread of any potential infection.
It is an unfortunate reality that there is potential for some services and supports to be suspended to prevent the spread and for the greater good of the community.
We would also like to emphasise that it is most important that some of our frail and health compromised clients are not unnecessarily exposed to the risk of any infection.
The basic principles of reducing this risk is outlined in the Subee Newlake Infection Control Policy available to all on the Subee Staff Portal.

Here are some things that you can do to stop the spread of infection:
Wash your hands with soap and water regularly and thoroughly for a minimum of 30 seconds
Cover your nose and mouth when coughing with a flexed elbow or a tissue
Clean all surfaces regularly preferably using an anti-bacterial product
Avoid close contact with anyone displaying cold or flu like symptoms
Avoid shaking hands and close contact with colleagues, Try a smile and friendly nod instead
Avoid touching your mouth or eyes if you are exposed to people who present as sick or display symptoms of cold and flu and wash your hands as soon as possible
Wear PPEs Personal Protective Equipment and dispose waste appropriately.

Our COVID-19 Preventative Action Plan requires that ALL employees follow these instructions
• DO NOT come to work if you have travelled to or through countries of higher or moderate risk as determined by The Australian Dept of Health: mainland China, Iran, South Korea, Italy, and Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore Thailand in the last 14 days. Employees should not return to work until 14 days have passed since they have arrived from those countries, or they have received medical clearance. The Australian Department of Health also requires that travelers from Iran, China and South Korea isolate themselves for 14 days.
• DO NOT come to work if you have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days. The Department of Health also requires that you isolate yourself for 14 days after the date of last contact with the confirmed case. If you become unwell, see a Doctor – let the practice know of your concerns when you call.
• DO NOT come to work if a member of your household fits the above criteria.

In all these cases, you must inform your Manager and NOT return to work for 14 days or until you have received medical clearance.
The safety and well-being of our residents, clients, employees and volunteers is our priority and we ask that all employees cooperate with these requirements.

Further general information and updates can be obtained from:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/alerts/Pages/coronavirus-faqs.aspx#1-15

Many thanks for your co-operation.
Stay safe.

Richard Holloway
Operations Manager
On behalf of the management team Subee Newlake