COVID-19 – Update #1

20 March 2020

We are closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and taking measures to keep our community, clients, stakeholders and staff safe and informed. 

Disruption to our service delivery in response to the COVID-19 pandemic 

Suspension of outreach services in the Kimberley 

In line with the Federal and State Health coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic recommendations, Boab Health Services is suspending all outreach services to remote Aboriginal communities and towns in the Kimberley effective Monday, 23 March 2020. This protocol will be reviewed on a weekly basis.

Restrictions to services in Broome, Kununurra and Wyndham 

In an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus in the Kimberley we are restricting service delivery to our clients and visitors to our premises.

We ask you to call and cancel or reschedule your appointment if you have: 

  • travelled outside the Kimberley in the past 14-days
  • had contact with someone with a confirmed case of coronavirus 
  • temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius or above AND an acute respiratory condition. 

We may be able to offer you a telephone or video (options may include Zoom, Scopia or Skype or Facetime) appointment. Please discuss with your Boab clinician or contact

Following social-distancing practices where practicable, we will continue to provide services in Broome and Kununurra and our ABLe program in Wyndham for clients who do not meet the above criteria,

Communication with clients 

We will communicate regularly with our clients via email, telephone and text messages with updates on changes to our appointments and service delivery. 

Hygiene and Infection control 

In addition to our existing high level of infection control practices, we are increasing our hygiene infection control measures and will: 

  • Ensure clinical staff use Personal Protective Equipment when appropriate  
  • Ask all clients and visitors to clean hands with antibacterial gel when arriving and departing Boab Health premises 
  • Increase cleaning our offices and clinic rooms, in particular with high-contact areas, with antibacterial wipes before and after each client contact   
  • Practice social distancing with staff, clients and stakeholders where practicable 
  • Offer clients and stakeholders the option of telephone or video appointments 

Our workforce 

We are anticipating staff shortages as the COVID-19 pandemic escalates.  To ensure the safety of our community, clients and staff, any staff who have travelled from outside the Kimberley are required to self-isolate for a minimum of 14-days.  Staff members may be able to work from home via email, phone and video communications. 

Referrals 

We are continuing to receive referrals via the normal process.  Click here for more information.

Coping with coronavirus anxiety 

Beyond Blue Australia has some helpful tips if you are feeling worried about the coronavirus pandemic. View Beyond Blue article. 

Living with diabetes and the coronavirus 

People living with diabetes need to take the same precautions as everyone else, with a few additional considerations.  For the latest information on diabetes and COVID-19 visit Diabetes WA. 

Policies and Plans  

We are continuing to regularly update our staff on the latest guidelines on the coronavirus situation.  Our Executive Management Team has formed a COVID-19 response committee and is finalising our Pandemic Policy and COVID-19 action plan. 

For the most up to date information 

Australian Government Department of Health 
WA Department of Health – HealthyWA
NACCHO
Smarttraveller

We know that there are many unknowns during this current time, but we want to assure you that we’re monitoring the pandemic closely, following government updates, and doing all we can to keep serving you in the safest possible way.

Please do not hesitate to contact our Executive Management Team on 9192 7888 should you have any queries. 

Matt Burrows | CEO

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