Volunteering and COVID-19
Information on how to volunteer safely and minimise the spread of COVID-19 in your community.
Supporting volunteers and the community during COVID-19
Volunteers may look to organisations to provide support and guidance during COVID-19. It is important that organisations respond by helping volunteers to stay connected, even if the organisation has changed its operations, or stopped operating.
Volunteering during COVID-19
Animated video on volunteering opportunities during COVID-19
How can volunteer organisations minimise transmission of COVID-19?
Practicing these simple measures recommended by NSW Health can significantly reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19:
wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use a hand sanitiser that is at least 60% alcohol
cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and immediately dispose of the tissue
avoid touching your face and avoid direct contact with others (e.g. shaking hands or hugging)
routinely clean surfaces with detergent and disinfectant
increase the amount of fresh air by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning
promote the strictest hygiene among food preparation staff – see guidance on food preparation and COVID-19.
practice physical distancing and abide by NSW Health requirements regarding capacity limits
if you deliver your service in a community centre, ask the centre administration to share their COVID-19 Safety Plan with you.
Organisations and staff must observe physical distancing requirements and provide clear instructions about following good hygiene practices. Personal protective equipment is advisable where possible.
What should we do if a volunteer has symptoms of COVID-19?
NSW Health recommends you get tested immediately and:
wear a mask indoors and on public transport, if you must leave your home
avoid large gatherings and indoor crowded places
don't visit people at higher risk of severe illness.
Should volunteers who are at high risk of getting seriously ill stay home?
When deciding to volunteer or return to volunteering all individuals should consider their own health needs first. As a precautionary measure individuals may want to seek advice from a medical practitioner about whether it is safe for them to volunteer.
This is particularly important for individuals who are in the following categories:
People aged 70 years and older
People aged 50 or over with additional risk factors, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease (including moderate or severe asthma requiring inhaled steroids), neurological disease, severe chronic liver or kidney disease, active cancer or those who are not up to date with recommended vaccination
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 30 years and over with additional risk factors listed above
People who are moderately to severely immunocompromised of any age
People with significant or complex disability
Pregnant women
Children with complex chronic conditions
Get more information for people at higher risk of severe illness.
NCOSS COVID-19 Vax Risk Assessment Toolkit
NCOSS has developed the COVID-19 Vax Risk Assessment Toolkit for social sector service organisations. The Toolkit aims to help organisations navigate requirements and issues in deciding whether to mandate vaccination for their workers to keep their workplaces safe. It is intended to help organisations think through ways to minimise COVID risks for everyone accessing their services, including clients, and develop their COVID-19 Management Plans.
The Toolkit comprises:
Guide to Vax Risk Assessment, including some examples
Vax Risk Assessment Worksheet
Frequently Asked Questions
Resources