Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
From 11.59pm on Friday 25 February 2022:
Density Limits and Work from Home Rules
Density and capacity limits will be removed for fully vaccinated customers/ patrons. Work from home rules have been removed.
Gatherings
There will be no limits of the number of people who can gather in a home or in public places such as parks or beaches. There will be no vaccination requirements for these gatherings, although the government has recommended that everyone be fully vaccinated.
Masks
Masks will no longer be mandatory in many settings (including offices) but will be required in some high-risk settings. You will still be required to wear a mask in health facilities, in retail, if you are serving the public in hospitality venues, if you’re a teacher or a student in years 3 to 6, if using public transport, a taxi or rideshare, or travelling on a plane.
Our staff will still wear masks when interacting with renters an we would recommend that renters do wear a mask when meeting with WPI staff.
Quarantine
Click here to see isolating and testing requirements. If you have symptoms – get tested. Remember to wash hands regularly, practice respiratory hygiene, maintain social distance and most importantly if you are unwell stay home. For more information click here.
To reduce the health risks to everyone, our staff will still at times be working from home. We are equipped to provide many of our services over the phone. Our staff are contactable via phone and email during normal business hours – please call the office on 9664 7800 for assistance.
If you are a renter
Our Tenancy and Property Managers will continue to support you and will still be your key contacts during this crisis. In order to protect you and them, they will not be conducting routine property inspections for the time being, We are also working closely with our tradespeople and contractors to ensure they take the necessary precautions when undertaking maintenance at a WPI property to protect everyone’s safety, including the use of personal protective equipment.
What can you do?
Please let us know as soon as possible if you or anyone in your household is in self-isolation, is feeling unwell, or has been in contact with anyone who tested positive or is in the process of being tested for the virus so that we can take the necessary precautions to protect staff, other renters and the broader community. We have asked all our regular tradespeople and contractors to do the same.
The usual processes are in place to report a repair or maintenance issue, please fill out the request for maintenance if the repairs are not urgent and WPI will be notified by email.
To report an urgent repair during business hours: please call 03 96647800 or email [email protected]. To report an urgent repair outside of business hours contact Valley Maintenance on 1800 088 106.
There might be some delays in responding to non-urgent maintenance requests. For example, if you lock yourself out or damage property, it may be difficult to have a contractor or a Tenancy and Property Manager to attend to help. Our response times may also be a bit slower than usual, but we will respond as soon as possible. Our priority will obviously be urgent maintenance, so we appreciate your patience and understanding.
During this crisis there are some simple steps you can take to minimise maintenance issues:
- Make sure you have your keys when leaving your property.
- Maintain regular cleaning of your property.
- Open doors and windows to allow ventilation when you can.
- Don’t put anything other than toilet paper down the toilet to avoid blockages.
- Don’t tip oils or fats down the sink to avoid blockages
- Use appliances carefully in line with the instructions.
- Don’t overload power points with things like power boards which may cause outages.
Urgent maintenance will take priority at this time. If you have an urgent maintenance issue we will endeavour to find tradespeople who are able to attend, making sure that all of the necessary precautions are taken. There might be some delays in responding to non-urgent maintenance requests. For example, if you lock yourself out or damage property, it may be difficult to have a contractor or a Tenancy and Property Manager to attend to help. Our response times may also be a bit slower than usual, but we will respond as soon as possible. Our priority will obviously be urgent maintenance, so we appreciate your patience and understanding.
We are committed to providing you with safe, long-term housing. We recognise that the current situation may lead to changes in some of our renters’ financial circumstances, including financial hardship. If this applies to you, please call to discuss how we can work with you to help sustain your tenancy.
We encourage you to look after yourself, your family and the community. Please follow the community health advice and keep informed of the latest update by visiting dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus or calling the Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 675 398 (free call, 24/7).
Please click here for information in other languages: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/translated-information-about-coronavirus-covid-19
If you have a fever, cough, or trouble breathing, call your GP or the Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 675 398. If you are feeling seriously unwell and it is an emergency, call 000 immediately.
We recommend that all residents, clients and staff follow the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations around health and hygiene, including:
- Washing your hands, or applying alcohol-based hand sanitizer, regularly
- Covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces
- Greeting people with a wave or a nod instead of a handshake
- Maintaining at least 1.5 metre distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing
- Staying home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
WPI is committed to the safety of all its workers. Our staff must ensure they follow the COVID-19 guidelines. For more information refer to our COVIDSafe Plan
