06 October 2021
Dear family member/resident representative,
I am writing to provide you with some important information about your loved one’s aged care centre.
Today one of our residents at the centre has been diagnosed with COVID-19. The resident is fully vaccinated and has mild symptoms.
We recognise this is a concern but I want you to know that we have been prepared for the risk of this happening for some time, and our actions to manage this have been swift.
We have implemented our outbreak management plan and are continuing to work with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) and other health authorities to ensure all necessary protocols are in place including staff and resident isolation, and infection control measures.
All residents at the centre have been notified and our team has started making phone contact with people identified as responsible for residents at the centre to let them know about this and explain what we are doing to minimise any risk.
Your loved one will notice that, in addition to the usual personal protection equipment, all staff working at the centre are now wearing face shields and gowns for additional infection control.
While all other residents are currently well, in accordance with our outbreak management plan we will begin routine testing for COVID-19 this afternoon as a precaution and we will continue to monitor them for symptoms as we care for them in their own rooms.
Until we are confident that the risk of an outbreak within the centre has passed your loved one will remain in their room where they will receive their meals. Staff will also assist them where needed to connect with you via phone or video call.
How the resident contracted the virus is not yet known but a thorough investigation is underway.
Vaccination rates
You might be interested to know about the rates of vaccination at the aged care centre. Of our 96 residents, 87.5% are fully vaccinated and 95% have had their 1st dose. The majority of staff are fully vaccinated with a small number awaiting their second vaccination.
Please be aware that we will provide you with regular updates as you are identified in our records as the person responsible for your loved one. I encourage you to pass on the regular updates to other family members as you consider appropriate.
As per current Public Health Unit directions the centre remains closed to all visitors.
If you have any questions please do not call IRT Tarrawanna Aged Care Centre. Please call our Customer Service Team on 134 478.
I look forward to your cooperation.
Yours sincerely
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
