PURPOSE
COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus that was originally identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in December 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO), has declared that COVID-19 outbreak as a ‘pandemic’- a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (effective 11 March 2020). This is mainly due to the speed and scale of transmission of the virus in countries around the world, including Australia.
COVID-19 is transmitted from someone who is infected with the virus to others in close contact through contaminated droplets spread by coughing or sneezing or by contact with contaminated hands or surfaces. According to Department of Health, the time of exposure to the virus and when symptoms first occur is anywhere from 2-14 days.
Symptoms can range from a mild illness, similar to a cold or flu, to pneumonia. People with COVID-19 may experience:
- fever
- flu-like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat and fatigue
- shortness of breath
The Australian Government is constantly updating the current status of COVID-19 including health recommendations, travel restrictions, and a vast collection of resources and information to help people make informed decisions.
As this information is changing rapidly, our Service is monitoring health alerts and implementing measures suggested by key health experts to minimise the transmission of COVID-19.
SCOPE
This policy applies to children, families, staff, management and visitors of the service
IMPLEMENTATION
The National Quality Framework establishes the standards and learning frameworks to provide high quality inclusive education and care in early childhood settings, which can only occur in safe and healthy service environments.
Sparrow Early Learning has a range of comprehensive policies in place to guide best practice in relation to health and safety, dealing with infectious diseases and maintaining a child safe environment. Our duty of care and responsibilities to children, parents, families and all staff to provide a safe environment is of utmost importance.
The evolving nature of COVID-19 and the unprecedented steps required to protect our community as recommended by the Australian Government, has resulted in the development of a specific policy to assist our Service manage this pandemic.
This policy will change as required to ensure the protective measures against COVID-19 as advised by our Government are implemented by our Service.
RELATED POLICIES
- Infectious Diseases Policy
- Hand Washing Procedure
- Children’s Health and Safety Policy
- Immunisation Policy
- Incident Management Policy
- Medical Conditions Policy
- Nappy Change & Toileting Procedure
- Family Account Management Policy
- Physical Environment Policy
- Administration of Medication Policy
- Health and Safety Handbook
SOURCE
- Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority. (2014).
- Australian Government Department of Health Health Topics Health Topics Coronavirus COVID-19
- Australian Government Department of Health Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for travellers
- https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covid-19-infection-control-training
- Australian Government Fair Work Ombudsman Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws (updated 13 March 2020)
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/news-and-media-releases/website-news/coronavirus-and-australian-workplace-laws - Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment Information for child care providers and services
https://docs-edu.govcms.gov.au/node/53362
Australian Government Federal Register of Legislation Child Care Subsidy Amendment (Coronavirus Economic Response Package) 23 March 2020
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2020L00295?utm_source=Facebook&utm_content=240320 - Australian Government The Treasury JobKeeper payment
- Fair Work Ombudsman Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws (2020)
https://coronavirus.fairwork.gov.au/coronavirus-and-australian-workplace-laws - Guide to the Education and Care Services National Law and the Education and Care Services National Regulations. (2017).
- Guide to the National Quality Standard. (2020)
- National Health and Medical Research Council. (2012). Staying healthy: Preventing infectious diseases in early childhood education and care services.
- Public Health Act 2010
- Public Health Amendment Act 2017
- Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2019 Victoria
- The Australian Parenting website Raising children
https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/a-z-health-reference/coronavirus-and-children-in-australia - Revised National Quality Standard. (2018).
- Safe Work Australia (2020) Early childhood education and care workers: Minimising the risk of exposure to COVID-19
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/early-childhood-education-and-care-workers-minimising-risk-exposure-covid-19