Category: COVID-19

Two people waiting for a bus. one wears a mask, while holding hte arm of the second person

No change to disability settings post-pandemic declaration

14 October 2022

From 11.59pm on Wednesday, 12 October, the pandemic declaration ended – and Victorians will no longer be required to isolate after testing positive to COVID-19, with isolation for positive cases now strongly recommended. Requirements for close contacts like continually testing negative on a rapid antigen test will become strong recommendations – joining the strong recommendation […]

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Free RATs for people with disability – extended until 31 December, 2022

5 October 2022

People with disability can now get free rapid antigen tests until the end of the year People with disability in Victoria can now get 20 free rapid antigen tests until 31 December 2022. The program, which was due to finish at the end of September, has been extended for another 3 months. The free tests […]

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A person standing outside, with a garden and building behind, looks into the camer. They are wearing a backpack.

COVID-19 isolation periods remain the same for disability settings

9 September 2022

It was announced this week that from Friday 9 September, isolation periods for COVID-19 positive cases will reduce from seven to five days following a positive test if the patient has no symptoms on Day 5. It is important that our community note that seven days isolation remains for workers in high-risk settings including disability […]

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A yellow road sign with a dollar sign in black. Sits to the right of the image on a pole, with a blue sky background.

Pandemic leave disaster payments reinstated until 30 September, 2022

29 July 2022

Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is support if you can’t earn an income because you or someone you’re caring for has to self-isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19 If your isolation, quarantine or caring period started: between 1 July and 20 July 2022, you have until 2 August 2022 to claim on or after 21 July […]

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COVID Update heading

Keeping safe at OC Connections this Winter

28 July 2022

As we approach a new wave of COVID-19 infections in the community, it is important to ensure families, participants, staff and the community understand the current community guidelines vs disability guidelines, the support available to you during this time, the latest vaccine updates and COVID Safe practises. COVID SAFE PRACTICES AT OC CONNECTIONS With community cases […]

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Pink background with woman in wheelchair. Text reads Stay Well this Winter

Stay well this Winter:

22 July 2022

This winter, we’re back out there – but so are COVID-19 and the flu.COVID-19 rates are high, and Victoria has recorded more cases of the flu so far thisyear than the whole of 2020 and 2021 combined. That’s why it’s so important to dowhat we can to stay well this winter. The good news is, […]

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A person sits on a couch wearing a beanie and wrapt in a blanket. They are blowing their nose. Medicine sits on the coffee table in front.

Stay well this winter: COVID-19 Medicines

22 July 2022

The Department of Health have released information on the medicines available for eligible eople who have COVID-19 to prevent them from getting sick and requiring hospital care. These medical treatments are also called early therapies, or antivirals. They can be life-saving.   These medicines do not replace vaccination. Vaccinations are the best protection from COVID-19.   These […]

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Free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) for Victorians with disability – extended to 30 September, 2022

21 July 2022

The free rapid antigen tests program for eligible Victorians with disability has been extended to 30 September 2022. It’s a time to ensure everyone with disability has access to enough rapid antigen tests. Early detection of COVID-19 helps protect people from serious illness by ensuring earlier diagnosis and treatment. Until 30 September, Victorian NDIS participants, […]

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Two gloved hands hold a needle in an arm.

4th COVID-19 dose recommended for people over 50 years and vulnerable members of the community

18 July 2022

ATAGI has recommended an additional COVID-19 booster, or fourth dose, for people at increased risk of severe illness, to be given 3 months after their first booster dose. This additional booster will be a fifth dose for people who are severely immunocompromised, have an underlying medical condition or disability. You should get a fourth dose […]

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