1/8 We have seen transmission of #COVID19 between multiple families in Victoria. #Disability support work, congregate living, working & leisure environments create this on a grander scale.

Plausible scenario in thread.
@drgeorgethecrip @NDIS @VictorianCHO @ndisceo @ndsvic

2/8 Day 1: #Disability support worker from suburb w high community transmission asymptomatic or minimum symptoms w #COVID19. Works in group home with 5 ppl with #Disability & 2 workers. Impossible to physically distance. Worker does not use mask correctly or can’t get a mask.

3/8 Ppl with #disability in home unable to wear masks 4 various health & other reasons.

3 in home go to same day program with 15 other people & 5 workers inside where close contact occurs.

2 go to supported employment (Australian Disability Enterprise) with 50 other workers

4/8 Day 2: infected worker works with 5 people w disability in their homes who have up to 5 other workers supporting them in a week. One person with #disability does not have a mask because they employ their own workers & haven't accessed them from stockpile.

5/8 Day 3: Worker continues to work
.....
Day 10 onwards: 2 known case in group home, who given congregate environments infect at least another 2, etc
Now have hundreds of contacts. People with chronic health problems get sick, in hospital etc

6/8 So, intervene now to avoid this in Victoria by:

1. Provide alternatives to day programs & supported employment in areas with high-levels of transmission .

2. Pay support workers if they can't come to work even 4 a day (don't wait until eligible for hardship payment)

7/8

3. DIRECT services to take these precautions rather than leave it up to them to decide

4. MONITOR compliance of services

5. Compensate services for loss of income for complying with public health directives.

5. Do this now before we have blood on our hands

Thanks on behalf of disabled Victorians and everyone else!

@DisabilityHlth