COVID resources and FAQs.

In order to operate in the current environment, we are safeguarding our staff and participants in the hubs through the following:

 

General:

  • Our COVID-safe protocols align to state based health guidance for high risk or vulnerable settings, which are stricter than settings for the general community.

  • Masks are mandatory for staff and highly recommended for trainees.

  • Stringent cleaning and hand hygiene protocols are enforced at all times.

Vaccination:

  • Staff vaccination including a booster is mandatory.
  • Trainees are double vaccinated where possible.

Isolation periods & testing:

  • Well-being checks are conducted for all staff and trainees before entering the hub each day, and individuals with cold/flu like symptoms cannot enter the hub. Individuals must stay at home until they are asymptomatic and are required to return a negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) prior to returning to service.
  • Where we have a positive case in our service, Jigsaw will initiate our risk management protocols which include undertaking a risk assessment to determine close contacts, additional deep cleaning and targeted Rapid Antigen Testing (provided by Jigsaw) for those identified as high risk or close contacts of the positive case on their return to service.
  • We ask that you notify your CEL/Manager as soon as possible if you have either tested positive for COVID-19 (either RAT or PCR), are a close contact and/or are symptomatic.
  • Where you/your person is COVID positive, a close contact or symptomatic, the following rules apply in terms of their isolation period and return to the hub:

Testing

NSW / SA / VIC

The federal government is now advising the public to undertake a RAT instead of a PCR test. However, the disability sector is deemed a high risk setting so while a RAT test is sufficient in the first instance, when a positive RAT is returned and/or you have been identified as a close contact of a positive case, please undertake a PCR test.  

You must also register a positive RAT result (even if you subsequently go for a PCR test).  NSW, VIC, SA

QLD

Only a RAT test is required. You need to register your positive test result online here with QLD Health.

Isolation period for COVID positive cases

Based on current Government advice for our sector, the isolation period for positive COVID-19 cases is now 10 days. You are unable to return to the hub until after your Day 10 date. For example: If you tested positive on the 1st of January, your Day 10 would be the 10th of January. If you have no ongoing symptoms you can return on the 11th January. Please note, following your 10 day isolation period if you are still symptomatic you may need to isolate for longer. In this case, we would assess your return date on a case by case basis.

Isolation period for close contacts

If you are a close contact, you can return to the hub after your 10 day isolation period (as above). Day 1 is the date in which you were informed you were a close contact. Close contacts must return a negative RAT at the end of their 10 day isolation period in order to return to service.

In addition, following your 10 day isolation period if you are still symptomatic or living in a house where other people are COVID positive you may need to isolate for longer. Please discuss this with your manager if this is your situation as we will assess your return date on an individual basis.

Isolation period for casual contacts

If you have been notified you are a casual contact/moderate risk, you will be asked to take a RAT on either day 2 of your exposure or your next day in service, whichever comes first.

What is the risk matrix used to determine whether I am a close contact?

We use a Government matrix to determine the risk level to our participants & staff following a positive case in-hub. The levels are low risk (monitor for symptoms), low to moderate risk (casual contact), moderate risk (casual contact) or high risk (close contact). 

Following a positive case in service, you will be sent an email which will include: 

– Your individual level of risk

– Instructions for testing & isolation

– Guidance on your return to service

FAQs

What if I have had COVID-19, but I am exposed to someone with COVID-19 again?

People who have recovered from COVID-19 have a low risk of getting it again in the 28 days after you are released as most people develop some immunity (ability to fight the disease).

If you come into contact with someone with COVID-19 within 28 days after you are released, you will generally not need to self-isolate or get a test unless you have symptoms. If you come into contact with someone with COVID-19 more than 28 days after you are released, you will need to follow the self-isolation and test guidelines outlined above.

Will Jigsaw provide the Rapid Antigen Tests?

RATs are in short supply and expensive so we will only be providing RATs to targeted groups of trainees identified as requiring close monitoring through our risk matrix. You will be informed if this is applicable to you/your person. Otherwise, we may ask that you get a PCR test before returning to in-hub services.

What are the types of criteria used in the risk assessment following a positive case in hub?

We utilise a detailed matrix to determine each individual’s level of risk. Examples of criteria include the length of time a person was potentially exposed to the COVID positive case, the distance from the case, the type of PPE worn and the diligence in which it was applied. 

What symptoms should I be looking out for?

Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe. Some people recover easily, and others get very sick very quickly. If you test positive for COVID-19 you may experience:

  • fever
  • coughing
  • sore throat
  • shortness of breath.

 

Other symptoms include:

  • runny nose or congestion
  • headache or fatigue
  • muscle or joint pains
  • nausea or loss of appetite
  • diarrhoea or vomiting
  • temporary loss of smell or altered sense of taste.

COVID-19 symptoms are similar to some common illnesses, such as colds and flu, or allergies. More information can be found here.

When can I return to hub post isolation?

If you have received a positive case, or are a close contact, you must isolate for 10 days. Please note this is longer than the current Government guidelines for the general public. 

In addition, following your 10 day isolation period if you are still symptomatic or living in a house where other people are COVID positive you may need to isolate for longer. Please discuss this with your manager if this is your situation as we will assess your return date on an individual basis.

If you have been informed that you are a casual contact through a case at Jigsaw, you will be told by a Jigsaw staff member how long you need to isolate for before returning to work. 

Can I come into the hub if someone in my house is a close contact?

Yes, you can come into the hub.  You should maintain distance at home from those deemed close contacts where possible and  monitor for symptoms.  If you become symptomatic you should get a PCR test and isolate at home until you return a negative PCR test result.

I have another question. Who can I ask?

If you have any other questions please ask the Trainer Lead of your zone, or the Training Manager of your hub. Or, email/call:

e: hello@fightingchance.org.au

p: 1300 166 734