e-Blast: Easing COVID-19 Restrictions Update

As the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic changes daily and we move into a new phase under the Roadmap to easing restrictions, we want to ensure you have clear information on how you can respond safely to COVID-19, within the Stage 1 restrictions that are now in place.

Queensland’s Public Health Directions were updated as at 16 May 2020.  You can read QDN’s member update here, which explains what you can do now and through stage 1.

We want to provide clarification about when support workers and carers are counted in the allowed number of people, under these stage 1 restrictions.

Support for a person with disability at your residence

You can have up to five visitors, plus your support worker/s or carers.

Support workers and volunteers can be at the residence at the same time, as they are not counted as visitors.

 

Support for a person with disability away from your residence

When counting your group size for recreational travel and activities, away from your residence, you must include your support worker/s or carer.

You are permitted to do the following activities with your support worker/s or carer in a group of up to 10 other people, including your support worker/s or carers.

• eat out at a restaurant or café with up to 10 patrons seated (subject to physical distancing requirements e.g. 1 person per 4 square metres);
• go shopping at a place permitted to remain open;
• enjoy parks, playground equipment, skate parks and outdoor gyms;
• visit public libraries and national and state parks for hiking;
• participate in personal training, swim in public pools and public artificial lagoons (if they have been opened to the public);
• attend weddings, places of worship or small religious ceremonies; and
• go to a beauty therapist or nail salon.

We understand these rules can be confusing. That’s why we are keen to hear directly from our members to better understand how these changes are impacting the daily lives of people with disability, particularly when out in the community. If you have any stories or feedback regarding these rules, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at qdn@qdn.org.au or by calling 1300 363 783.

The Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors have published an updated factsheet and FAQs – these can be found on the COVID-19 information for service providers, workers and volunteers page.

You can get more information about the easing of Stage 1 restrictions here.

Throughout all stages it is important that we all continue to:

• Practice social distancing – keep 1.5 metres apart from others
• Regularly wash your hands
• Stay home if you are sick
• Get tested if you have any symptoms (dry cough, fever)