The ban that prevents Victorian aged care staff from working across multiple facilities has been extended for one month and could be further extended if the government considers it necessary.
The Department of Health has extended the period its ‘Guiding Principles for residential aged care – keeping Victorian residents and workers safe’ will be in place from 25 September 2020 to 26 October 2020 and may be extended further.
The restrictions were first put in place on 27 July.
The aim of the ban was to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading among aged care residents and staff.
The principles’ aim is “to have Victorian aged care workers based with one residential aged care facility only during this high risk pandemic period” and “to reduce the risk of aged care workers unintentionally transmitting COVID-19 by working across multiple sites”.
Despite the ban being in place since late July, HelloCare has heard of Victorian aged care staff working across multiple sites.
The federal government has made funding available to providers to help them support workers to ensure they receive their usual income and are not disadvantaged by only being able to work at a single site.
However, providers must pay the staff, then apply for grants, meaning they are out of pocket until the additional staffing costs are refunded by the government.
There have been more than 2,000 COVID-19 cases among Victorian aged care residents, and 627 deaths, so the policy is well justified.
If you have any questions about the ban you can call the Guiding Principles Support Hub on 1800 491 793 (free call).
Image: Cecilie Arcurs, iStock.
