Thank you for being a Member of Five Good Friends. It is an honour to be providing you with help and support.
The country is currently experiencing a surge in new COVID-19 positive cases. We are continuing to closely monitor the situation to help ensure the ongoing safety of our Members, Helpers and staff.
COVID-19 Vaccinations
Since the pandemic began, Five Good Friends has strongly recommended COVID-19 vaccination for Members and Helpers. We have been following and continue to follow the Australian Health Principle Protection Committee's advice to the Commonwealth Government regarding the mandatory vaccination of workers. This includes booster doses.
We monitor to ensure all Helpers and staff remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations. We recommend and encourage Members to remain up to date with their COVID-19 vaccination. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends an additional booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This is to increase vaccine protection before winter for people at greatest risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and who have received it their primary vaccination and the first booster dose.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) we developed at the beginning of the pandemic continues to be a guiding document for the safe delivery of services. The SOP is aligned with state government guidelines for the use of PPE. We have kept Helpers regularly informed of changes to the SOP and PPE requirements. We ask for your support and understanding of Helpers who are required to follow the guidelines.
Influenza season
Infectious disease experts have warned about the risk of a significant influenza (flu) season this year. The COVID-19 vaccine does not protect against the flu, so you should still have your annual shot. In March this year, ATAGI stated annual flu vaccination should ideally occur before the onset of each influenza season. The period of peak influenza circulation is typically June to September in most parts of Australia. Five Good Friends is making flu vaccination for all Helpers free and accessible through its partnership with Sigma Healthcare, which owns national chemist chains including Amcal, Discount Drugs Stores and Guardian.
Testing remains a priority for everyone.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 such as a cough, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath or runny nose, even if these are mild, you should get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible. Please advise us immediately by calling 1300 787 581 Option 1 if:
- you are a close contact of a confirmed case
- have symptoms
- are going to be tested or;
- have returned a positive RAT or PCR result.
Isolation requirements
If you test positive for COVID-19 or are a close contact with a confirmed case, you must immediately isolate. Isolation and close contact definitions differ slightly for each state.
For information about how to look after yourself when you are sick with COVID-19, you can call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 202 080. You can find translated information about testing positive for COVID-19 here.
Remaining vigilant
As we experience this latest rise in cases, we have increased support in our COVID-19 Co-ordination Team. These dedicated team members are tracking, monitoring and supporting all Members, Helpers and Staff who are confirmed cases of COVID-19 or a close contact with a confirmed case and are required to isolate. We continue to urge all Members, Helpers and Five Good Friends staff to be diligent in managing COVID-19 and any symptoms. For Helpers, this includes cancelling visits if they have any concerns. If your Helper does need to cancel a visit at short notice, we would be grateful for your understanding. We will work very hard to ensure your services continue with minimal disruption.
We are grateful you have chosen Five Good Friends. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation diligently and do our best to provide you with safe, flexible, kind and consistent help and support.
Kind regards,
William Garton
Head of Quality and Programme Development
Five Good Friends
