COVID-19 Update: Advice from the Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs

The following re-iterates messages widely disseminated by the Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs to non-government service providers earlier today, 30th March 2021.

As you are aware, the Premier announced the Greater Brisbane region has entered a three-day lockdown to stop the spread of COVID-19 following further cases of community transmission in recent days.  In summary, from 5pm on 29th March 2021, people in the local government areas of Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Redlands and Logan are required to stay at home except for essential purposes; to buy groceries or medicine, to look after the vulnerable, exercise in their neighbourhood and to attend work if you cannot work from home.

You can find the latest advice from Queensland Health about the lockdown here.

For those operating within the affected locations, the Department advises that you need to reactivate your business continuity plans so you are prepared for any potential impacts to service delivery.

If you are able to work from home and continue to deliver services remotely, you are encouraged to do so.

As previously advised by the Department, should any of the contracted obligations of your organisation be impacted by COVID-19, please contact your contract manager to outline how service delivery has been affected and what strategies you are implementing to minimise the impact. The Department will work with you to manage an agreed way forward. The Department advises that any changes to contracts and deliverables will need to be discussed with your service’s contract manager and take into account any health directions where someone connected to your service is confirmed to have contracted COVID19 or is self-isolating on medical advice.

For organisations delivering services to children in care, directly or indirectly, the Department advises that medical advice is sought as appropriate if you become aware a child or an associated household member is exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms. You must also contact your Child Safety Officer or Child Safety After Hours, as soon as possible.

In respect of those delivering essential face-to-face services for children and young people in residential care settings, you must wear a mask. If you experience any difficulties in sourcing masks, the Department asks that you please contact your service’s contract manager.

Organisations are reminded that messages relating to COVID-19 and specific resources related to the services you provide on the Department’s website.

Further questions may be directed to your service’s contract manager in the first instance.