Meals on Wheels has moved to Level 3 response (Restrict). A copy of the plan is attached to this bulletin and can be found at the bottom of the page..
- There is a national risk that the disease has not been contained.
- The Australian Government has advised all persons 70 years or older, and those living with a chronic health conditions, to remain at home as much as possible.
Additional precautions are now required to maintain service provision.
Meals on Wheels current response is:
- Volunteers 70 years or over and those in high risk categories will redeployed or asked to temporarily step down. (In progress. A letter is attached to this bulletin and can be found at the bottom of the page. This will be sent to all volunteers)
- Delivery of meals only to outside of the customer door – entry to home by exception with added precautions. (Implemented. Safety Briefing previously provided.)
- Provide social connection by phone or other digital. (In progress)
- Reduce frequency of meal deliveries by incorporating frozen meals with fresh cooked. (Commenced in several country locations, gradually being rolled out where possible)
- Deployment of young healthy volunteers (In progress. 1500 applications to date, 248 sent to branches, 250 to go tomorrow). Please contact Vicki by email at workforce@mealsonwheelssa.org.au if you are experiencing shortages due to the current age restrictions.
- Third party meal providers engaged. (In progress. Adelaide Convention Centre will commence preparing frozen Meals on Wheels meals this week. Existing third party suppliers continue.)
All previous requirements regarding being 'fit to work', social distancing and hand hygiene still apply.
A template letter for all customers regarding change to frozen meals will be circulated for branch use.
Also attached to this letter is a message from the CEO, Sharyn Broer.
Thank you all for your outstanding and ongoing commitment to Meals on Wheels.
Julie Bonnici
General Manager Service Operations