Dear Friends,

During these difficult times, we wanted to touch base with you all, as we manage the uncertainty of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) within our community, our country and the world.

We appreciate that this is a very concerning time with the rapidly evolving situation occurring with respect to COVID-19 (Coronovirus). As with other similar charity and health/disability organisations, DEBRA is monitoring the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation to ensure we are communicating relevant and factual information to our community.

We have not had any confirmed virus cases within our community, or among any of our staff or volunteers at DEBRA Australia.

But, to ensure we protect our vulnerable children, and their families, we are currently undertaking measures to protect the health and well-being of EB children, adults, families, staff and volunteers. To our knowledge individuals with EB are not any more compromised to the Coronavirus than anyone else.

Children tend to be less affected by the virus however adults are vulnerable. We have been told the biggest concern is with the threat of hospital beds, both ICU and general admission beds as they are being used by Coronavirus infected patients who take priority over generalised sick patients. It’s important for our EB families and individuals to practice self-distancing to prevent future hospital admissions.

Your treating hospitals also have great resources for keeping yourself, and your children, safe and well.

DEBRA staff are very fortunate to work from their home offices and our friendly team is still available to take your phone enquiries across all contact numbers. In addition, all our programs remain open to support our EB families and community.

However, Hospital EB clinics have been cancelled for March and April and will be replaced by Telehealth consultations. This situation will be reassessed towards the end of April for future months. Our Family Support Coordinator will undertake telephone or Face-time conferencing sessions when needed for the immediate future.

In-line with Government directives we have had to cancel all planned fundraising/community events until further notice. We will continue to update you on future events, and services as soon as new information develops or our position changes.

These measures are precautionary to ensure we are responsible and are doing all we can to prevent the spread of the virus amongst our community. We will continue to liaise with health and government advisors and review our position accordingly.

During this time, it’s important to keep updated with the right information. We recommend you visit the DHHS website at www.dhhs.gov.au/coronavirus and the Australian COVID -19 information updates at https://www.australia.gov.au/

Please stay safe and well
Lise and the DEBRA Australia Team and Board