Please see excerpt from correspondence received from DHHS in relation to use of face mask.  As per the Directions update:

“Please note that there have been some minor changes to the Workplace (Additional Industry Obligations) Directions that impact Residential Aged Care facilities.  These are:

Change to mask wearing requirements for staff:

·       Workers are no longer required to wear a face mask when outside, however, physical distancing of 1.5 meters should be maintained as much as possible.

·       Where visibility of the mouth is required for communicating with a resident (such as where the resident is hard of hearing), a worker may remove their face mask whilst communicating with that resident.”

Both staff and visitors no longer need to wear masks when outside of the levels/area of care.  Staff in the following areas do not need to wear masks unless they access one of the levels/area of care: administration, maintenance, stores, kitchen, café and laundry.

Completion of the statutory declaration for staff and visitors remains unchanged.  For further clarification please speak to reception on arrival.