March 16, 2020

Gateways’ response to COVID-19

We understand at this moment that you may be concerned at the spread of the COVID-19 (coronavirus).

We want to assure you that Gateways is well prepared.

We have now officially activated our Pandemic Plan that aligns to government recommendations about pandemics and our senior management will be meeting every day to ensure timely analysis and response, taking into account advice from our Board members with medical expertise.

This means that a number of precautionary actions such as enhanced cleaning, hand and personal hygiene strategies and management of travel have already been instigated.

The Plan also means that we have a clear governance process that will enable us to make decisions in a timely manner.

The Plan ensures we are clear about the factors that we need to monitor and how these will change the way we support you.

When we need to change services to keep participants safe and our staff safe we will be in contact with you.

The primary goal of the Plan is to ensure that we balance the provision of essential services to our participants while ensuring the safety of our staff.

We want to assure you that we have instigated clear guidance for staff if they are sick, or if they have travelled, to minimise the risk of infection.

There are also some things that you can do to help us ensure we can maintain essential services including:

Reduce potential for cross infection.

• Please observe the self-isolation rule of 14 days if you have travelled outside of Australia or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive to the virus.
• For general enquiries or payments, consider talking with us via email or phone instead of coming into our offices.
• When you do come in, please observe our hand hygiene practices  – we are all getting good at foot taps – instead of hand shakes!
• If your child or person you care for is unwell, please cancel the shift or their attendance at any program they attend.
  • Please ensure unwell children and adults remain at home until symptoms resolve and seek medical advice.

Keep us up to date if your circumstances change

• Please advise your coordinator if any of the family test positive for the coronavirus.
• If at any time you choose to change your access to supports please let us know.

As is our usual practice, if a participant attends our recreation groups or other services, and shows signs of illness, we will contact you for immediate pick up.

If you have any questions please email ohs@gateways.com.au

Dr Bernie Jenner (Gateways Board President) and Stephanie Gunn (Gateways CEO)

Access the Gateways COVID-19 Hotline

See our list of reliable resources