August 5, 2020

COVID-19 Safety for Heroes

COVID-19 Safety for Heroes

Victorian Permitted Worker Permit

For all Victorian Heroes, from 11:59pm on Wednesday 5 August, as independent contractors, you are required to complete and hold a permitted worker permit in order to continue your in-person bookings – it is your responsibility to complete and carry this permit on you at all times when completing a booking.

  • There are significant on-the-spot fines for anyone who breaches the scheme requirements.
  • This includes those who do not carry their worker permit when travelling to and from bookings.
  • As an independent contractor you must issue a worker permit yourself and sign the worker permit as both the employer and employee.
  • Ensure all the information is filled out correctly.
  • Head to the Victorian Government website for more info.

Download the permitted worker permit here

Mask-wearing Advice

A few of you have been asking us for guidelines around mask-wearing on your missions, so we’ve summarised the current advice and a couple of mask safety tips.

Current Government Advice

In NSW, we recommend that Heroes wear masks on missions.

  • The NSW Government is strongly encouraging the use of masks in high-risk places such as public transport, supermarkets and places of worship.

In Victoria, it is compulsory for all Heroes to wear masks on missions.

  • All Victorians must now wear a face covering when they leave home, no matter where they live; unless they are affected by a relevant medical condition.
  • Disability support workers in sensitive settings such as disability residential services or when supporting people with disability in their own home must wear masks.
  • Check out the Victorian Government website for more info.

Mask Safety Tips

  • You can use a cloth mask or a surgical mask. Surgical masks can only be used once. You can wash and reuse cloth masks.
  • Face coverings such as scarves may not offer the same level of protection. You can buy a mask or make your own cloth mask that covers your nose and mouth completely, or use a face shield.
  • When you put on or take off the mask or shield, it is important that you wash your hands first and avoid touching your face. After each use, wash the cloth or shield or dispose of it safely.

Putting a mask on:

  1. Clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
  2. Hold the mask by its tapes or loops, then tie the mask around your head or put the loops around your ears.
  3. Make sure the mask covers your mouth and nose, and that there are no gaps between your face and the mask, and press the nose piece around your nose.
  4. Do not touch the front of the mask while wearing it

Taking a mask off:

  1. Clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
  2. Take the mask off from behind your head by pulling the tapes or loops straight forward and moving the mask away from your face.
  3. Throw the mask in the bin.
  4. Clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.

For more resources about using face masks, please visit:


Take care and let us know if you have any questions. We’re here to help!