COVID-19 Announcement

Action Glass & Aluminum will continue to be guided by the Federal Government and Department of Health WA (DOH) in relation to appropriate responses relating to the COVID-19/Coronavirus issue.

During this time of uncertainty, we want to advise that we are doing everything we can to minimize the risk of this virus to our staff, clients and the wider community.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Policy

How Action Glass are protecting our Clients and Staff.

All our trade partners and employees have been briefed on the prevention of Covid-19 in accordance with the World Health Organisation, the Australian Government of Health and the WA Department of Health .

Action Glass is committed to the health and safety of both employees and clients.

What is COVID-19 (Coronavirus)?

COVID- 19, previously called novel coronavirus disease or 2019 nCoV, is the viral disease that has caused global concern. Starting out as an outbreak, it has negatively impacted world trade and economies, limited global travel and tourism, forced the lockdown of cities, and is now the latest pandemic after the 2009 H1N1 that originated in the USA.

How Did COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Come About?

Officially named COVID-19 by the World Health Organization (WHO) on February 11, 20 20, the respiratory disease is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that was first detected in Central China’s city of Wuhan on December 8, 2019. COVID-19 has then spread to more than a hundred countries with over five hundred thousand confirmed cases and rising .

The global mortality rate of COVID-19 is 3.5% as of writing.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) vs Influenza (flu): What is the Difference?

The flu and COVID-19 are both respiratory diseases with similar symptoms, but they are caused by two different viruses. Here are some similarities and differences between COVID-19 and the flu.

Similarities

  • Symptoms are the same: cough, body aches, fatigue, high body temperature, shortness of breath, and, in some cases, diarrhea.
  • Just like the flu, COVID-19 ‘s virus can survive in both hot and humid weather as well as in cold and dry climates.
  • Both can be transmitted by direct contact, droplets, and materials that can carry infection such as clothes, utensils, and furniture.
  • Severe cases can lead to pneumonia and even death.

Differences

  • The flu can be prevented by taking a flu vaccine that is readily available every year.
  • COVID-19 does not have a vaccine but clinical trials are ongoing . It may take a while for a COVID-19 vaccine to be considered safe for medical use.
  • Efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 includes frequent hand washing, quarantine, and travel ban (Italy implemented a nationwide travel ban).

Coronavirus Health Information Line

Call this line if you are seeking information on coronavirus (COVID-19 ). The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Department of Health – 1800 020 080

How COVID-19 Spreads

Although the first human cases of COVID-19 likely resulted from exposure to infected animals, infected people can spread SARS-CoV-2 to other people.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person, including:

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has SARS-CoV-2 on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the primary way the virus spreads.

People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (i.e., experiencing fever, cough,- and / or shortness of breath). Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this type of asymptomatic transmission with this new coronavirus, but this is also not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Isolation guidance

If you have returned to Australia from overseas, or been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus, special restrictions apply.

Who needs to isolate?

All people who arrive in Australia, or think they may have been in close contact with a person diagnosed with coronavirus, are required to self-isolate for 14 days.

Stay at home or in your hotel

When travelling home or to your hotel to start isolation use personal transport, such as a car, to minimise exposure to others. If you need to use public transport (e.g. taxis, ride-hail services, trains, buses and trams), reduce the spread of germs through good hand hygiene and avoiding physical contact.

During the 14 days of isolation, you must stay at home or in your hotel and don’t go to public places including work, school, childcare, university or public gatherings. Only people who usually live with you should be in the home. Do not see visitors. If you are in a hotel, avoid contact with other guests or staff.

If you are well, there is no need to wear surgical masks at home. Ask others who are not in isolation to get food and necessities for you. If you must leave home, such as to seek medical care, wear a surgical mask. If you don’t have a mask, take care to not cough or sneeze on others.

Monitor symptoms

When in isolation, monitor yourself for symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, tiredness or shortness of breath. Other possible symptoms include chills, body aches, runny nose and muscle pain.

What do I do if I get sick?

If you develop symptoms (fever, a cough, sore throat, tiredness or shortness of breath) within 14 days of returning to Australia, or within 14 days of last contact of a confirmed case, you should arrange to see a doctor for urgent assessment.

You should telephone the health clinic or hospital before you arrive and tell them your travel history or that you have been in contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus.

You must remain isolated either in your home, hotel or a healthcare setting until public health authorities inform you it is safe for you to return to your usual activities.

How can I prevent the spread of coronavirus?

Practising good hand and sneeze/cough hygiene and keeping your distance from others when you are sick is the best defence against most viruses. You should:

  • wash your hands frequently with soap and water, including before and after eating, and after going to the toilet
  • cover your cough and sneeze, dispose of tissues, and wash your hands
  • avoid contact with others (stay more than 1.5 metres from people)
  • stay at home if unwell. 

Going outside

If you live in a private house, it is safe for you to go into your garden or courtyard. If you live in an apartment or are staying in a hotel, it is also safe for you to go into the garden but you should wear a surgical mask to minimise risk to others and move quickly through any common areas.

Advice for others living with you

Others that live with you are not required to be isolated unless they meet one of the isolation criteria outlined above. If you develop symptoms and are confirmed to have coronavirus, they will be classified as close contacts and will need to be isolated.

Cleaning

To minimise the spread of any germs you should regularly clean surfaces that are frequently touched such as door handles, light switches, kitchen and bathroom areas. Clean with household detergent or disinfectant.

Managing the 14 day isolation

Being in isolation can be stressful and boring. Suggestions include:

  • Keep in touch with family members and friends via telephone, email or social media.
  • Learn about coronavirus and talk with others.
  • Reassure young children using age-appropriate language.
  • Where possible, keep up normal daily routines, such as eating and exercise.
  • Arrange to work from home.
  • Ask your child’s school to supply assignments or homework by post or email.
  • Do things that help you relax and use isolation as an opportunity to do activities you don’t usually have time for.

More information

For the latest advice, information and resources, go to www.health.gov.au

Call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.

The phone number of your state or territory public health agency is available at www.health.gov.au/state-territory-contacts

If you have concerns about your health, speak to your doctor.

JOB CHECKLIST

IMPORTANT – Please understand and respect why it is so important we all must diligently adhere to the below:

  • Why – because, your actions will protect our most vulnerable Australians who are; older adults, with special needs, living with diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, kidney disease, auto immune, undergoing cancer treatment to name a few….
  • Now we understand how and why Action Glass has implemented the below, NOTE* the COVID-19 procedure is no different to all AG (Action Glass) procedures and spot checks will be carried out.
  • Be diligent with your own health, do you have a sore throat?, high temperature? Yes or No, if YES call the Office IMMEDIATELY for further medical instructions. If NO continue to read the below.
  • If you find yourself unsure about your temperature at anytime, Cliff has a non contact temperature reader on his desk and AG will check your temperature for you. Please note: Cliff or Jen will also carry out random temperature checks daily as an added precaution. Any one who presents with a temperature will be asked to follow Office Instructions immediately.
  • First and Foremost use appropriate hygiene practices by washing your hands often with soap and water or hand sanitiser; For the field team – wash or sanitise your hands prior to entering all work sites, again when you return to your ute, again before eating, also before you have the need to touch your face. All other Staff – please wash or sanitise frequently especially prior to eating, or prior to touching your face, or returning back into office from other locations and sanitise your work space frequently with Sanitise wipes.
  • When meeting Clients, they will not be offended if you do not shake their hands, maintain a good 1.5 metres distance from all persons, wipe your mobile phone with sanitised wipes frequently.
  • If you feel the need to sneeze or cough use a handkerchief or tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose. The irritant may only be dust however, be sensitive to who is around you and immediately go wash your hands. If someone near you coughs or sneezes hold your breath and give yourself a healthy distance before inhaling again, do not lick your lips or touch your face until you have been able to wash your face and hands with soap and water.
  • You will have a checklist added to your jobs for all site that are sensitive to Covid-19 i.e. schools, aged care, hospitals, special needs housing, the list will be upgraded as and when required. The checklist will need to be completed prior to your take – 5. Cliff will allow extra time when scheduling for you to follow the AG procedure request for Convid-19.
  • ON ARRIVAL TO ALL SITES, PLEASE READ AND ADHERE TO SITE INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO ANY COMMENCEMENT OF WORKS – Most sites will display their own Signage and Warnings outlining their Individual site requirements
  • As an added precaution AG requests you follow and stay UpToDate with
  • https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert. I would further request you adhere to all out of work contingency plans the Government outlines (some of these are; minimise social interactions, be mindful and not attend large gatherings, limit Public Transport usage, reconsider any travel outside of WA or Australia) – Please find Calm in that Action Glass conducts a strong Business Model for Compliance and will be updating all our staff continuously as new updates come to hand.
  • If you have any concerns or feel confused or even overwhelmed call Debra Kaye  on 9249 2429.
  • Finally, I thank all of our team for adhering to the above for as long as the heightened alerts remain in place. Most importantly stay calm, keep clean and continue on…

You have a fever what now?

  • A Fever is 37.5 deg or above – don’t panic, a fever can be any form of an illness not necessarily Covid-19. However, see below what to do next;
  • Wash your hands immediately for at least 20 seconds, place a face mask on if you have one. Keep the distance of anyone including family. Keep reading or Call the office and ask for guidance to carry out the following if you require assistance.
  • Please note effective immediately, COVID-19 testing in WA will be available only to individuals who: have a fever of 37.5 deg or respiratory illness can provide evidence of recent overseas travel (i.e. passport airline ticket) or have had close contact with a confirmed covid- 19 case.
  • If the above criteria is met, Covid-19 testing will only be performed at COVID clinics, located at
  • Royal Perth – Ground Floor, Ainslie House, 48 Murray Street Perth
  • Sir Charles Gardener – C Block, Hospital Avenue, Nedlands
  • Fiona Stanley Hospital – Bedbrook Row, north-eastern end of hospital, Murdoch
  • I would further add, do not attend unless you have symptoms AND meet the criteria because people presenting at COVID clinics may be infectious
  • Therefore, self monitor for symptoms or go to back to your doctor
  • If you have been tested, you must remain isolated at home, until you receive your test results and further medical advice. – Please contact the office immediately with your results.
  • If you present a negative result, return back to your doctor and request further assistance with your fever and obtain a doctor’s certificate for the days you require to become well. Forward a picture to Cliff and Dave T of your certificate to allow scheduling advance notice of your expected return date .
  • If you present with a positive result, contact the office immediately. Speak with Debra Kaye and advise her of all people you have had close contact with 24hrs prior to showing symptoms. Follow all your Medical Advice and SELF ISOLATE WITH 100% EFFORT AND ABSOLUTE INTENTIONS NOT PASSING ON THE VIRUS.
  • Your wages will be paid weekly as normal under sick days (when a COVID-19 positive reading is presented) If you have used your sick days previously and are not covered for the duration of the isolation period you have an option to utilise your annual leave. If your annual leave has been used you may be exposed with unpaid leave .
  • Your recovery will be dependent on your immune system . Hospitalization may or may not be required therefore, please provide updates when possible to the office, our concern for your well-being is important because we value all our team members.
  • EMERGENCY CONTINGENCY PLAN* In the event of an Action Glass employee passing on COVID-19 to another staff member, all affected or possible affected members will need to self isolate. All non Action Glass people who may have been affected will be guided by the health authority rules and regulations on 1800 020 080 Coronavirus Health Information Line from the Government of Western Australia Department of Health. For a few Action Glass Staff members there is an option to begin working from home, unfortunately though, this option is difficult to implement for the majority of our team as it stands today. The situation will be pending on many factors and will be a case by case scenario and day by day implementation of new processes. Remember our Ethos “Customer Service is our Number One Priority” this means keeping our customers safe.
  • Essentially, while harsh, if our actions can be a part of slowing the spread of the virus, or contribute to saving someone’s life, then its worthwhile, not to mention maintaining your health, as well as that of your family and our team.
  • As the GM, I am constantly thinking as the situation keeps changing, Action Glass has been proactive in our measures to keep us immune to service disruption so far. This situation is very much a team effort and I am here to support anyone who is feeling anxious or overwhelmed and to call Debra Kaye directly on 9249 2429.
  • BE PROACTIVE AND ADHERE TO OUR CHECKLIST ON HOW TO CURTAIL COVID-19 RELENTLESSLY COVID has been described as a marathon not a sprint, keep this in mind …
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