Meals on Wheels is considered an essential service, and our objective is to continue operations and provide meals and support to vulnerable South Australians during this emergency.

 

Following the State-wide restrictions announced by the South Australian government to come into effect from Midnight tonight, all Meals on Wheels SA branches will operate at Level 3 of the response plan until further notice.

 

Precautions and safety measures to be implemented immediately are:

 

As per Government directions, all people must wear masks when outside of the home.

  • Masks must be worn during deliveries, when in the car if you are not from the same household, in the branch kitchen.
  • Masks have been delivered and distributed at all Metropolitan branches, and will be available at all regional branches from Friday, 20th November. 
  • If you have not received your mask, and are rostered to volunteer during the next week, you should be able to pick up your mask at the branch.   Please contact your branch Volunteer Coordinator or the Quality Risk and Safety Administrator on 0429461515.

 

Delivery to outside of customer door – Customer Advice letter attached.

  • Customers will be asked to leave a table or chair outside of door.
  • Knock on door, wait for person to answer door.  When they answer, place the meal on the table.
  • If they do not answer, standard response for missed visit and wellbeing follow up.
  • Entry into home by exception only for customers that cannot come to the door.  Ensure no-contact delivery of the meal and leave immediately.
  • Use sanitiser after every meal delivery.

 

Reduce frequency of meal deliveries by incorporating frozen meals with fresh cooked if customer requests


Workers including volunteers in high risk health categories are encouraged to stay at home or redeployed.

  • If you consider your health places you at risk and more vulnerable to risk from the COVID-19 virus, we ask you to self-assess, and enact your personal COVID plan.  If you decide that it is best for you to temporarily stop volunteering, please let us know as soon as possible, and we make arrangements for your temporary cover

 

Social distancing is essential and staff, customers & volunteers alike must maintain at least 1.5 metres distancing

  • Option for single person delivery. 
  • Maximum of 1 driver and 1 deliverer per car
  • Persons from same household can sit in front without wearing masks, but masks must be worn when delivering meals.

 

Personal hygiene very important

  • Use sanitiser after every delivery
  • Wash and dry hands frequently 
  • Cough into elbows

Stay at home if you are not well.

  • Unwell staff/volunteers must not work and should advise coordinator/branch/manager. 
  • If you have flu like symptoms get tested

 

 

Please remain vigilant in looking after your own health and that of others, and thank you for all that you have done and will continue to do for Meals on Wheels and the South Australian community.

 

Highest Regards,

 

Julie Bonnici