COVID-19

What is Coronavirus?

COVID-19, sometimes called Coronavirus, is a virus that has made lots of people sick all around the world. A virus is an illness or disease that can spread easily from one person to another person. COVID-19 is spreading quickly. This makes it a pandemic. A virus becomes a pandemic when it spreads quickly to lots of countries around the world. Source: NSW Health

Our response

In early 2020, we reviewed and updated our protocols around infection control to meet the recommendations first released by NSW Health. Staff participated in mandatory training in relation to the prevention and containment of COVID-19, and the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Many of our office-based staff were set up to work from home, and at Brighter Access offices that were open, temperature checks and hand sanitising was introduced upon entry.

Our communication strategies and meetings with external stakeholders were developed to support social distancing and we introduced innovative, virtual activities for our participants and staff to take part in. In 2021, as the pandemic continues, we have continued to update and review our COVID-19 Action Plan, Emergency Plan and Protocols. We have partnered with the NSW Government to host Vaccination Hubs throughout our service areas for participants, carers, staff and family members who choose to receive the Pfizer vaccination in a location where they feel comfortable.

Internally, Brighter Access has a dedicated COVID-19 Response Team and staff are invited to attend regular COVID-19 information catch-ups virtually. We continue to follow all recommendations and guidelines put forward by NSW Health in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic as the situation changes.