The COVID-19 Plan for the Victorian Community Services Sector is designed to enable the ongoing provision of vital services to at risk and disadvantaged Victorians, including those living with a disability. The COVID-19 Plan for the Disability Services Sector released on 1 April 2020 provides more disability specific information.The COVID-19 Plan for the Victorian Community Services Sector provides guidance to the community services sector for Stages 1 and 2 of the Four Stage Pandemic Response.Stage 3 of the Pandemic Response involves the activation of contingency plans and a focus on the maintenance of services that have been assessed as essential. The disability specific plan has been developed to provide specific guidance to support business continuity and contingency arrangements during Stage 3 of the Pandemic Response. NDS members are encouraged to read these Plans, alongside other materials provided by NDS, DHHS and the Department of Health (Commonwealth), to determine how COVID-19 may impact their services, their residents or clients and their workforce; and to determine further planning, preparedness and action as required.There are specific directives on service delivery and safety of all. Of particular note is the following on physical distancing: “Disability service providers are required to implement physical distancing measures in all services they provide. The following should be adopted:

NDS urges members to access the plans online, as information is updated regularly and printed copies will become superseded.The following sites continue to provide current critical information:Australian Government health alertsDHHS Coronavirus Web pageNDS Coronavirus HubNDIA Coronavirus Information and SupportNDIS Commission Coronavirus Information