COVID-19

UniCare Support Services

Providing Disability Support in the times of COVID-19

At UniCare Support we understand the importance of having a comprehensive infection prevention and control COVID-19 response. As part of our Outbreak Prevention Program we have ensured that:

  • Recommend our staff to take vaccine
  • There is an infection control lead at our facility
  • Our Staff are well trained and can demonstrate competency in infection prevention and control, particularly in the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Possess sufficient stocks of PPE on site
  • Have a robust process for screening all staff and visitors on entry to the facility.

Impact of Covid 19 on Disability Care

Some people with disabilities will be at greater risk of more serious illness if infected by coronavirus. Reasons for this include chronic conditions or a weakened immune system. Maintaining physical distance too becomes a challenge or virtually impossible for some people with disability, including those relying on support and assistance from family, carers and support workers. Using face masks and implementing basic hygiene becomes challenging too.

What is COVID-19 ?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (also referred to as COVID‑19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It has been declared to be a pandemic by the WHO as it has spread rapidly throughout the entire world.

Symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties,
  • And loss of smell and taste

Recommended measures to prevent infection include:

  • Taking Vaccination
  • Frequent hand washing
  • Social / Physical distancing
  • Quarantine
  • Covering coughs
  • Keeping unwashed hands away from the face.
  • The use of cloth face coverings such as a scarf or a bandana has been recommended by health officials in public settings to minimise the risk of transmissions.

Getting tested

If you have any of the above-mentioned symptoms, you should get tested for COVID-19.

  • Click here for details on COVID-19 testing 
  • Click here to find your nearest COVID-19 testing site
  • Click here for information about getting vaccinated
  • If you suspect you may have COVID-19 call the dedicated hotline – open 24 hours, 7 days. 24/7 | Coronavirus Hotline 1800 675 398
  • If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can call the National Relay Service on 1300 555 727 – open 24 hours, 7 days. 24/7