With everything that’s happened over the past 25months, it’s amazing to think about how many changes we have all seen… parents becoming homeschool teachers, starting telehealth, mass vaccinations clinics, gaining expertise in online ordering/delivery, and many more personal reflections as we all “stay home, stay well, and stay safe” together.
Everyone in our community is urged to do their part to reduce the risks associated with COVID-19. This What’s New is designed to provide information relating to changes in our practices at Early Links and is responsive to NSW Health and Occupational Therapy Australia Guidelines. For more information about COVID-19 updates, please visit the relevant NSW Health website -
https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
Hand Hygiene
One of the biggest ways we can reduce the spread of COVID-19 is regularly doing hand washing, and this is one requirement we have made for the start of every occupational therapy session, and after eating, after using the toilet, or sneezing/coughing. This video shows the importance of, and ways to, reach every part of your hands each time you wash… https://www.facebook.com/anna.luen/videos/2972807166096253/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PmVJQUCm4E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnSjFr6J9HI
Physical Distancing
Finding a new way to greet people you meet has never been more important, or creative!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aP2xcQKkzZI
Remember to maintain 1.5m from anyone showing symptoms, and avoid large social gatherings, or leaving your home for anything non-essential. Exercising in pairs (2 people) outdoors remains a current recommendation from ESSA (26.3.20)
TeleHealth
We are excited to announce the continuation of TeleHealth at Early Links. This platform offers continued services for anyone affected by self-isolation for COVID-19, and provides an effective way to maintain the connection with occupational therapy services. TeleHealth is fast-evolving and we have chosen to use Google MEET, which meets the Australian standards for health information privacy and has a super simple online platform.
All clients will have received an email and will continue to receive email updates when significant changes occur in our daily practices within the clinic or home visits. If you wish to receive this email information again, please click here
8/8/22 -
Our COVIDsafe Plan is guided by the current NSW Health Orders, the NSW chief allied health officer, and OT Australia Guidelines.
As of 8th of August, our clinic will -
Discontinue QR code check-ins
Our staff will wear a sugical or P2 mask depending on the physical distancing within the session
Encourage everyone over 12years to wear a mask throughout sessions (unless this creates distress)
For any unvaccinated person (>12years) attending the clinic - we request you wear a surgical mask (not fabric) and we will do additional cleaning and wear a P2 mask for your safety
For any unvaccinated child (<5years) attending the clinic - we will do additional cleaning and wear a P2 mask for your child's safety
Unless specifically discussed/approved with your OT, siblings won't be allowed into the clinic - we can pick-up and drop-off to your car if required
Home visits will be approved on a case-by-case basis where handwashing, hygiene, adequate airflow, and physical distancing can be provided
School visits will be at the discretion of School Principals and the alignment between our COVIDsafe plan with the school's conditions/requirements
Our staff will use a RAT after any close contact with a confirmed case and monitor their symptoms closely
Our staff will immediately inform you of any confirmed exposure to a positive COVID19 case on our site, and we ask that you do the same if you test positive after a session
We are always here to discuss how to make your experience with Early Links safe and successful.
Telehealth continues to be a popular option for COVIDsafe reasons and, as we are finding, some children are really engaged with online OT sessions.