ALL of St Vincent de Paul’s home-based visitations will cease across the nation, according to the society’s national council president Claire Victory. 

She says this will remain in place until further notice.

“Many of our members are aged over 60 and most companions are living with existing health issues. Both groups are at higher risk of serious consequences should they become infected,” she says. 

“Visitation will now occur at the discretion of the conference presidents and must take place by telephone or web-based care and support, or at a Vinnies shop or other facility. 

“The rooms must have sanitisers and appropriate personal protective equipment including face masks, and the rooms must be disinfected prior to and after use. 

“Visitation through hospitals and aged care facilities can only occur if the operator of the facility approves of ongoing visits and provides both sanitisers and appropriate protective equipment. 

“Visitation or volunteering on Vinnies vans will continue until the relevant government authority suspends such activity due to the pandemic, and appropriate practices must be followed.

“If the relevant government authority directs the society to cease providing visitation through attendance at a centre or vans or at another facility, the society will provide assistance through telephone and web-based assessments.” 

Ms Victory says vulnerable people will be deeply challenged by the responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and by the economic impact of the virus. 

She says social isolation is one of the most common concerns that conference members respond to in communities throughout Australia. The society operates at the grass roots, visiting people, known as companions, in their homes or assisting them through Vinnies shops and other facilities. 

“We will continue to monitor the impact of these changes on companions and respond as best we can,” she says.