As Southcarers we continue to monitor the evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and have implemented several changes to our Op Shop in Manning to ensure your safety when visiting.

We understand you may have some concerns about using secondhand items during this time and want to assure you that our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our community – our customers, our volunteers and our staff.

In today’s Southcare Snippet we answer some of the common questions about our Op Shop as it relates to Coronavirus and why it is still safe for you to visit.

What is Southcare doing?

  • Reduced opening hours to Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am – 2pm
  • Limited the number of volunteers at the shop and ensuring they follow our corporate procedures on hand washing, social distancing and money handling in line with World Health Organisation Guidelines
  • Asking all visitors to use hand sanitiser before entering and registering their name and contact details in the event they need to be contacted should a case be reported
  • Encouraging contactless payment and, if handling cash, wearing gloves
  • Stopped all donations until further notice
  • Installed signage reminding everyone of these requirements and obligations for good general health

How should I handle second-hand goods?

According to the World Health Organisation, it is not certain how long the COVID-19 virus can survive on surfaces. Reports and studies are telling us that time can vary from a few hours to several days, depending on the type of surface.

In line with this, we recommend you take the following precautions to reduce the risk to you and your family before using any purchased items:

  • Wash any clothing, manchester and soft furnishings
  • Clean children’s toys with a disinfectant solution
  • Wipe down shoes, accessories, handbags, books and homewares with a disinfectant solution
  • Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitiser after handling second-hand goods
  • Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose

What if I am feeling unwell?

If you are feeling unwell, we want you to take appropriate care to get better and follow appropriate self-isolation guidelines to minimise the risk of infection and flatten the curve.

Please do not visit our Op Shop if you have any cold or flu-like symptoms, have been overseas or have been in contact with anyone showing signs of Coronavirus eg. fever, dry cough and sore throat.

Southcare CEO Dr Nicky Howe said what is needed right now is vigilance, responsiveness and a strong sense of community.
“This is a time when the community is called to come together,” Nicky said.

“We have been helping those in need at Southcare for close to 40 years and continue to prioritise the well-being of our customers and all internal and external stakeholders during this time.

“We have thought long and hard about whether we temporarily close the Op Shop, but decided to keep it open as it is a valued service for many in our community, especially as the season changes.

“ Our Op Shop has a large selection of quality secondhand items including a number of staples for your winter wardrobe, so please come and visit knowing that you can stay safe and support local.”

All profits raised from the Southcare Op Shop enable our team to provide personalised in-home aged care and community services to allow our most vulnerable community members to live with dignity and respect in their own home.

Want to know more? Read about the op shop, other initiatives we are doing to manage Coronavirus, follow us on Facebook for ongoing updates or sign up to receive alerts direct to your inbox.