Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced a 5-day statewide lockdown starting from 11.59pm tonight, 12 February. 
Victoria has now returned to Stage 4 restrictions which means there are only four reasons we can leave home: 
- Essential shopping 
- Care giving and compassionate reasons 
- Permitted work 
- Exercise for two hours a day with your household or one other person 
We understand that with these sudden changes, it can be distressing and concerning for autistic people and their families.
Due to the sudden announcement of these restrictions, the Autism Connect helpline will be open this weekend from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 13 February and Sunday 14 February. You can reach out to us for further information and support by telephone, webchat or email:
Phone: 1300 308 699
Email: [email protected]
Webchat: www.amaze.org.au
While there are restrictions, several exemptions have also been put in place that apply to the disability community and vulnerable children. These include:
- In-home care from a relative or friend is allowed to help care for your child with disability. This means they can travel more than 5km to get to your home.
- Support Workers who provide support that ensures health, safety and wellbeing are an essential service. This means NDIS workers can come to your home. Click here to find out more about NDIS supports for your child during COVID-19.
- Children with a disability can go to a relative or friend for respite care, including staying overnight. This means they can travel more than 5km to get there.
- To help manage complex behaviour (e.g., self–harm), you can leave home to take your child for a drive. This means you can also leave the 5km zone.
- In-home testing: COVID-19 testing is available for people with disability who cannot get to a testing site. You can call the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 to find out if you are eligible. Click here for more information on COVID-19 testing.
- Masks are required everywhere except when you are at home. However the same exemptions as previously continue to apply. Here is a Social Story on wearing a mask that might be helpful.
- Child care and kindergartens will remain open
- Schools will be closed, except onsite supervision of children of permitted workers and vulnerable children will be allowed.
This information was put together by the Association for Children with a Disability based on today’s official announcement. You can read more on their website here: https://www.acd.org.au/covid-19-latest-information/
If you need further support, here is a list of other support lines you might find useful:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Parentline: 13 22 89
Department of Education & Training (DET) Parent Helpline: 1800 338 663