COVID-19 Infection Control for NDIS Workers

COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that spreads mainly through droplets and tiny airborne particles when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. It can also spread from contaminated hands and surfaces. People can pass it on before they feel sick or when symptoms are mild. In this lesson you will learn the main routes of spread, the common symptoms to look out for, and why crowded, poorly ventilated indoor spaces carry the most risk. Key points: spread is mostly through the air, mild symptoms still count, and fresh air helps.

Some people are much more likely to become seriously unwell with COVID-19. These include older people, people with chronic health conditions such as heart, lung or kidney disease or diabetes, people with weakened immune systems, and some people with disability, including those who have difficulty swallowing or coughing. In this lesson you will learn why the people we support are often at higher risk, why shared homes and close personal care increase the chance of spread, and why early action matters. Key point: our job is to reduce the chance the virus reaches them.

Preventing COVID-19 starts before you arrive at work. If you have any symptoms, stay home, let your team leader know as early as possible and follow our policy about testing and returning to work. During your shift, clean your hands often, practise good cough and sneeze etiquette, improve fresh air where you can, and keep shared surfaces clean. Staying up to date with vaccination, as recommended by health authorities, is one of the best protections for you and the people you support. Key point: never come to work unwell.

Masks and other personal protective equipment, known as PPE, add another layer of protection when they are chosen and used well. In this lesson you will learn when a mask may be needed, the difference between a surgical mask and a P2 or N95 respirator, how to fit a mask properly, and the right order for putting on and taking off PPE. Key points: follow our policy and any direction from your team leader, cover your nose and mouth fully, avoid touching the front of a used mask, and clean your hands after removing any PPE.

When a participant has symptoms or tests positive, they still need safe, respectful support. In this lesson you will learn how to respond: report to your team leader, support the person to rest away from others where possible, use the PPE our policy requires, keep the space well ventilated, and watch for signs they are getting worse. Key points: call triple zero for severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion or collapse; keep the person's routines and dignity as intact as possible; and record and report what you observe.

When two or more people in the same home or service are unwell with COVID-19, we may be dealing with an outbreak. In this lesson you will learn how our outbreak management plan works, what extra steps you may be asked to take, and how to keep up with public health advice, which changes over time and can differ between states and territories. Key points: follow your team leader's directions during an outbreak, limit movement between homes, keep records accurate, and check official health department websites rather than social media for current advice.

This case study is set in a shared home where Joseph, one of three housemates, tests positive for COVID-19. His support worker, Anna, reports straight away and supports Joseph to rest in his room while keeping him connected and comfortable. When a housemate wants to watch the football with Joseph as usual, Anna needs to balance everyone's rights and safety. Key points: report early, support rest away from others where the person agrees, use PPE as our policy requires, and find creative ways to keep people connected rather than imposing restrictions.

This case study follows Chen, a support worker who wakes before an early shift with a runny nose and a scratchy throat. He feels well enough to work, his test is negative, and he knows the team is short staffed. The lesson explores why mild symptoms still matter in our work, why he tells his team leader rather than deciding alone, and how our team handles cover. Key points: never come to work with symptoms, tell your team leader early, and follow our policy on testing and returning to work.

This case study follows Nasrin, a night shift worker in a supported home, caring for Hamish, a resident with cerebral palsy who has COVID-19. During the night Hamish becomes more breathless and his lips look blue. The lesson walks through recognising warning signs, calling triple zero without delay, handing over to paramedics, and reporting and recording afterwards. It then brings together the key messages of the whole course. Key points: watch closely overnight, act on serious warning signs immediately, and never wait to see if things improve.