Protecting Older Australians: COVID-19 Update 13 June 2020

Published 18th June 2020

Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) fact sheets

The department has released a set of fact sheets providing further information to support CHSP service providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. These fact sheets describe:

• Support available to CHSP providers during the COVID-19 pandemic including resources, frequently asked questions and translations of resources into other languages
• Emergency funding for CHSP providers during COVID-19 to support increased demand for services, retain key workforce and adapt to the changing aged care environment
• Temporary changes to CHSP flexibility provisions to meet demand during the pandemic.

A fact sheet is also available for CHSP clients and their families and carers about accessing CHSP services during the pandemic. You can share this fact sheet with your clients to help answer their questions about accessing CHSP services.

Advice on Air Conditioners and COVID-19

The department has had a few enquiries as to whether COVID-19 can be spread through air conditioners. To alleviate any concerns and for general interest we are providing some information on air conditioners and COVID-19.

SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) is principally spread by respiratory droplets produced when an infected person speaks, coughs or sneezes. It is also spread via hands coming into contact with a surface contaminated with droplets, before touching the eyes, nose or mouth. There is little clinical or epidemiological evidence of regular airborne transmission.

Transmission of the virus is more likely in poorly ventilated indoor spaces than outdoor spaces and this is reflected in the advice on the department’s website to open windows or adjust air conditioning for more ventilation as one way to protect yourself indoors.

Source:
Unknown Author, 2020, Department of Health