COVID-19 positive protocols
Staff measures
In the case that a staff member tests positive to COVID-19 at any of our sites they must follow the guidelines set by Queensland Health. If they test positive via a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT), then they are to register their results with Queensland Health and isolate as required by the current advice.
Accommodation residents
MS Queensland will provide support to customers living in their apartments within our accommodation program who have tested positive to COVID-19 using heightened Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) measures in line with Queensland Health’s directions. MS Queensland has an internal Infectious Disease Case Management Guideline to support us in assisting staff and customers. In the event, MS Queensland is unable to provide the support required due to unforeseeable staffing circumstances, or other events, MS Queensland will work with the customer and community supports (including hospitals) to ensure that our customers have the support they require.
Other instances
In all instances, we ask that people follow Queensland Health’s advice. Staff and managers have access to our internal reporting tool enabling them to report that they are a positive COVID-19 case. By reporting this information, we can review internal roster impacts, support cleaning, and notification to appropriate people (customers, staff, and visitors).
Off-site or home visits
MS Queensland will continue to conduct off-site or home visits after completing a risk assessment. Personal protective equipment (PPE) procedures, including mask-wearing, and social distancing will be followed during these visits. Depending on the outcome of the risk assessment, there will be circumstances where our staff won’t be able to attend face-to-face (eg. flu-like symptoms) and they will recommend moving the appointment to a Telehealth or virtual appointment.
Wellbeing Centres
Everyone who visits or works at our Wellbeing Centre sites must comply with MS Queensland’s COVID-19 Safe Plan in conjunction with Queensland Health. COVID-19 protocols including using the MS Queensland check-in app when accessing the site and good hygiene practices. We are also asking that all visitors who have come into contact with someone with COVID-19 or are showing flu-like symptoms please do not come to our Wellbeing Centre or office sites.
If there is a positive case at our Wellbeing Centre, we will communicate with anyone who has visited the impacted site.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Our Wellbeing Centre staff will be wearing masks during all face-to-face appointments. Any additional requirements for all customers accessing the Wellbeing Centres will vary depending on the traffic light status.
If you have a clinical exemption from wearing a mask and the traffic light is amber or red, please advise MS Queensland staff ahead of your appointment. If you decline to wear a mask without an exemption, it will be at the discretion of the Physiotherapist if they chose to continue with the appointment or move the session to Telehealth or virtual.
Accommodation sites
Everyone who visits or works at an MS Queensland accommodation site must comply with MS Queensland’s COVID-19 Safe Plan in conjunction with Queensland Health. The COVID-19 protocols in place include using the MS Queensland check-in app when entering the site and good hygiene practices. We are also asking that all visitors who are showing flu-like symptoms please do not come to our accommodation sites.
If there is a positive case at our Accommodation site, we will communicate with anyone who has visited the affected site.
Customer care
All staff members (including Support Workers and Nurses) will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including masks and gloves when caring for any customers who have tested positive.
MS & COVID-19 resources
We encourage our community to check MS Australia’s page for the latest information on COVID-19 and MS.
Useful Links
