COVID-Safe Plan

Joyful Journey Occupational Therapy (JJOT)

1. Purpose

To minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission and support a safe environment for clients, families, and team members during service delivery at Joyful Journey Occupational Therapy.

2. Scope

Applies to all staff, students, clients, and visitors attending in-clinic, home, school, or community-based sessions.

3. COVID-Safe Commitments

We commit to:

• Acting in line with current public health advice and requirements

• Promoting vaccination

• Minimising avoidable risk to vulnerable clients

• Providing clear, compassionate communication around changes to services due to illness or exposure

4. Preventative Measures

4.1 For Staff

• Stay home if unwell or symptomatic

• Practice hand hygiene before and after each session

• Carry hand sanitiser and disinfectant in mobile kits

• Clean shared therapy items between clients

• Mask use is optional but supported in higher-risk settings

• Vaccination against COVID-19 is encouraged

• Maintain ventilation in enclosed therapy spaces where possible

4.2 For Clients and Families

• Clients must stay home if unwell or COVID-positive

• Families are encouraged to notify JJOT immediately if the child or household contacts are positive

• Optional: clients may wear masks based on preference or health needs

• Families may request telehealth if unwell or isolating

4.3 Clinic Environment

• Hand sanitiser available at reception and in each therapy room

• Therapy spaces and high-touch surfaces cleaned between clients

• Toys and resources disinfected daily or between uses

• Air purifiers or open windows used where available

5. If a Staff Member Tests Positive for COVID

Action: Notify Practice Manager immediately

Responsibility: Staff member

Action: Cancel or reschedule in-person sessions during infectious period (min 5 days + symptom resolution)

Responsibility: Admin / Clinician

Action: Inform affected clients about exposure (if within relevant timeframe) while maintaining privacy

Responsibility: Practice Manager/Director - may be delegated to admin

Action: Transition to telehealth where appropriate

Responsibility: Clinician

Action: Clean and disinfect any shared resources, equipment, or clinic spaces used

Responsibility: Admin/Clinician

Action: Return to in-person work when well

Responsibility: Staff member

Action: Record illness in leave log by applying for leave on Employment Hero or Quickbooks portal

Responsibility: Staff member

6. If a Client Tests Positive for COVID

Action: Parent/carer to notify JJOT as soon as possible

Responsibility: Parent / Carer

Action: Cancel or shift to telehealth for minimum 5 days or until symptoms have resolved

Responsibility: Admin/Clinician

Action: Assess clinician exposure and risk (e.g., PPE use, contact duration)

Responsibility: Practice Manager

Action: Notify any other impacted clients/families if exposure occurred

Responsibility: Practice Manager

Action: Disinfect any shared materials, toys, or spaces used

Responsibility: Clinician/Admin

Action: Consider additional PPE or remote services for vulnerable clients in following week

Responsibility: Clinician with Senior OT

7. Outbreak or High-Risk Period Protocols

In the case of widespread community transmission or high-risk alerts:

• Sessions may shift to telehealth temporarily

• Staff may return to mask use or limit indoor services

• Team meetings may return to virtual format

• Families will be informed promptly of any temporary changes

8. Communication and Documentation

• All COVID-related absences are logged in Quickbooks as a Leave Request

• Exposure notifications are made in writing where appropriate

• Any complaints, concerns or feedback related to COVID safety are recorded in the Feedback Register and followed up by the Practice Manager

9. Review and Updates

This plan is reviewed at least every 6 months or:

• Following a COVID case involving a JJOT staff member or client

• In response to changes in public health advice

• After staff feedback or observed gaps in practice