Coronavirus news and resources

This page will be continually updated. Last update: 29 March 2021
For news and resources specific to managers and leaders, click here. 
For members’ frequently asked questions, click here.

News

COVID-19 screening at NSW Healthcare facilities
Please see updated information on COVID-19 screening at NSW Healthcare facilities following community transmission in Queensland – New!
29 March 2021
The screening advice for healthcare facilities, residential aged and disability care facilities, and home care services has been updated for 26 March 2021 on the following web pages:
• Healthcare facilities – https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/screening-procedure-nsw-health-facilities.aspx
• Residential aged care facilities – https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/aged-care.aspx
• Residential disability care facilities – https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/disability-support.aspx
• Home care service providers facilities – https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/home-care-latest-advice.aspx

The key messages for this update are:
• There has been community transmission of COVID-19 in Queensland
• For visitors:
  – RACF, RDCF and hospital entry restrictions apply for people who have been to Brisbane City and Moreton Bay Regional Council areas and any Queensland contact tracing locations since 20 March 2021
• For staff working in RACFs and RDCFs:
  – restrict entry if they have been to any of the Queensland contact tracing locations since 20 March 2021
  – who have been to Brisbane City and Moreton Bay Regional Council areas a surgical mask must be worn
• For staff working in hospitals:
  – restrict entry if they have been to any of the Queensland contact tracing locations since 20 March 2021
  – who have been to Brisbane City and Moreton Bay Regional Council areas must have a risk assessment from the facility prior to entry. Advice can be sought from the Public Health Unit.

Other updates are:
• From 12:01am 27.3.21 there will be no close contact or casual contact locations in NSW
• There are no locations of concern in New Zealand

COVID-19 vaccine roll-out
23 March 2021: Notice #1 from AADC [PDF] New!

Reporting Minimum Data Set: Data entry during COVID-19
Download the flowchart [PDF]
Watch the video 

Resources and calendar

Managing comorbidity: Tips and tricks for adapting practice in a changing environment
Recorded webinar with Logan Harvey, Clinical Psychologist with the Matilda Centre, Sydney University

Adapting counselling practices to telehealth
Recorded webinar series, a collaboration between St Vincent’s Hospital, NADA and NCCRED

Engaging with clients causing domestic and family violence harm during the COVID-19 pandemic
Recorded webinar with Rodney Vlais

Adapting Practice: shifting therapeutic support online
Mental Health Professionals Network recorded webinar plus other resources 

COVID-19 infection control training 
Australian Government Department of Health eLearning module

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Health and wellbeing

The health and wellbeing of the non government AOD workforce, their clients and the greater community is of utmost importance to the staff, here at NADA.  

As coronavirus cases rise across Australia, so too are feelings of stress and anxiety. In times like these, we need practical evidence based information and resources on ways to take care of ourselves, our clients and our community.  

While there is a lot of uncertainty in the world right now, one this is for sure—we are here for you. The team at NADA have compiled the select list of information and resources below to help you, your clients and communities stay healthy, safe and connected during these challenging times. If there’s anything further we can do to support you, don’t hesitate to reach out by calling or emailing staff. 

Resources

Adapting to change
Yasmin Iese and Vi Ngyun from DAMEC talk about adapting their service during COVID-19 and supporting their clients holistically.

Watch the complete series of Well Beings
NADA is excited to release the final COVID-19 episodes of Well Beings,our short-animation series with practical, science backed tips and tricks to reduce stress and enhance health and wellbeing. Watch them all!

Coping with stress and uncertainty during COVID-19
NADA developed this eLearning course to help AOD workers cope with stress and uncertainty during COVID-19. It explores the factors that make coping difficult and outlines a variety of helpful tips and strategies to support you to look after yourself during these challenging times.

Non government AOD workers 

COVID-19 news and advice:
Department of Health
NSW Health
Health Direct
World Health Organization

Worker wellbeing:
NADA 
Australian Psychological Society 
Black Dog Institute
Orygen 

Free online meditation for health care professionals:
Headspace  
Ten Percent Happier 

Non government AOD clients
NUAA harm reduction resources and considerations for people accessing Opioid Treatment Programs 
AHMRC resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Turning Point client engagement and withdrawal support resources 
Insight coping and self-care resources 

Online support:
SMART Recovery
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 
Turning Point Counselling Online 
Hello Sunday Morning Daybreak Program
Drinks Meter app 
S-Check app 

Telephone support:
Alcohol & Drug Information Service (ADIS) 1800 250 015
Drug & Alcohol Specialist Advisory Service 02 9361 8006 (Syd) 1800 023 687 (NSW) 
Family Drug Support 1300 368 186
Stimulant Treatment Line 02 9361 8088 (Syd) 1800 101 188 (NSW)
Opioid Treatment Line 1800 642 428 

Financial and legal support:
Department of Social Services 
Centrelink 
Justice Connect
Factsheet: financial and other supports [PDF]

Crisis support:
Lifeline 13 11 14
Mental Health Access Line 1800 011 511
1800RESPECT 1800 737 732
QLife 1800 184 527
MensLine 1300 78 99 78