How we’re keeping safe during Corona

In light of the confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Tasmania we thought it was important to inform you about what Hobart City Mission is doing to keep our clients, volunteers and staff safe in this uncertain time.

We have developed a Pandemic Management Plan and have been implementing these steps over the past couple of weeks. We have been regularly updating this as the situation develops. We are currently taking the following steps:

• Increased cleaning at our offices and Op Shops including regular disinfecting of door handles, taps, light switches, benches and counters

• We have implemented social distancing at HCM offices and Op Shops including standing away from one another and reducing face-to-face meetings where possible.

• Staff that are not client-facing are now working from home to reduce the possibility of people getting sick.

• We have sourced a supply of masks, eye protection, hand sanitiser, hand wipes, and other cleaning products to see us through at our offices and Op Shops.

We all play a part in keeping each other healthy – it’s not just about the individual. There are some things that you can do to help us in our effort to keep the community safe:

• As per the government’s announcement this week please ensure that if you have recently returned from overseas, or have been in contact with a confirmed case of Coronavirus, that you do not visit our offices or Op Shops before completing a 14 day self-isolation period.

• When you do visit our offices you will see disinfectant hand wipes at the door. Please make sure to use these and wipe your hands thoroughly before entering.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

• Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately and wash your hands.

• Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.

• Please reconsider the types of events that you attend, the places you visit and the people you see. Three things to consider when in public are: ‘How many people will be there? How close will you be to all of those people? and How well ventilated is the space and how much people can move around?

Minimising the impact of the Coronavirus is a community effort and the actions of each individual impacts those around them. 

Please make sure you are taking the necessary precautions and thinking of the greater good when going about your daily business. We hope that by taking these steps, we can continue to support those that are most vulnerable in our community. Thank you!