How we are managing COVID-19 at Mirus Australia

Like you, we are regularly challenged.

We challenge ourselves, and each other especially when things get tough. This is to ensure that we don’t lose sight of our vision of #makingagedcarebetter and playing an essential part in shaping the future of a world-class aged care industry.

We would like to share with you our own internal approach at Mirus Australia with regards to managing the COVID-19 and the responsibility we have to each other during this time. We understand many Australians may be impacted in a variety of ways and appreciate every situation is different, but we always try to respond quickly and tailor our support to each circumstance. We are small enough to move quickly and big enough to make a difference, especially during times of need.

If you are currently being impacted or your organisation is at risk of being impacted in the future, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to discuss how we can assist you. Staying calm, demonstrating kindness and supporting resilience is a top priority for us.

Internally we commenced regular communication to our team via face-to-face, phone, email and online communication channels including:

(1) Firstly, we are relying on credible sources for the most up-to-date information:

Department of Health

The World Health Organisation

The Australian Government has a dedicated Coronavirus Health Information Line, which operates 24/7 on 1-800-020-080

(2) Our Company

Everyone working at Mirus Australia is required to follow protocols (including the below) to ensure our staff and their families and friends stay healthy and safe:

• We are currently managing each individual team member’s circumstances regarding working from home
• Ensure we wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds during the day, especially after using the bathroom and before eating and using hand sanitiser regularly
• Ensure we cover our nose and mouth when sneezing and cough into our elbows
• Precautionary social distancing if appropriate eg. the preference for meetings with large groups is via teleconferencing/phone
• If anyone has a fever or flu-like symptoms they are required to stay home and call the hotline immediately
• All non-essential travel is on hold currently
• All travel completed by family members and/or housemates is being tracked and quarantine guidelines are being followed
• Group Flu vaccines have been booked for April and all staff are strongly encouraged to have
• If staff are not feeling well whether in the office, at a client site or at home, they are required to report to the Executive Management team immediately

(2) Our Clients

Everyone working at Mirus Australia is required to follow the below protocols to ensure our clients and their staff and our clients’ residents, stay healthy and safe:

• We will continue where required to support our clients on-site and also provide the flexibility to consider alternative arrangements based on our Mirus Australia team member or clients’ preferences.
• Precautionary social distancing if appropriate eg. the preference for meetings with large groups is via teleconferencing/phone
• If staff are not feeling well whether in the office, at a client site or at home, they are required to report to the Executive Management team immediately
• We are setting up additional technology infrastructure so our team can continue to support our clients
• Follow our client’s outbreak management/infection control plans

(3) Our Communities

We recommend to everyone working at Mirus to follow national guidelines from the office of the Prime Minister of Australia:

• 14-day self-isolation for anybody returning from overseas
• Social distancing, where possible to minimise transmission
• Refrain from attending public events of more than 500 people

Finally, let’s all stay well and kind to each other during this time. 

Andrew Farmer | Chief Executive Officer and Mandy Lipschitz | Senior Manager, People + Culture