29 July 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
Thank you for your support as we have managed the outbreak of COVID-19 in your loved one’s aged care centre over the past weeks.
Since writing to you on Wednesday I am pleased to let you know that with no further positive test results, we have begun to the transition from outbreak management to regular operations. All except two of our residents who were diagnosed with the virus have reached their recovery criteria.
The two residents who are situated on level five continue to manage a range of symptoms and are being monitored closely as we care for them in their room. We are in consultation with their GPs regarding ongoing treatment as required.
A deep clean of all common areas including the dining room is underway and from tomorrow all residents will be free to move beyond their rooms, socialise with others and have their meals in the dining room.
From tomorrow, group activities will also resume.
Visiting arrangements
With the outbreak now officially resolved and our transition to regular operations now underway, regular visiting can resume from Monday 1 August 2022 as follows:
- There is no limit to the number of visitors (of any age) that a resident can have at any one time. I do ask that you be mindful of the surrounding environment and size of your loved one’s room.
- All visitors are asked to complete their own rapid antigen test at home or on arrival at the centre and provide proof of the negative result (photo or actual test). The station at the care centre is self-serve so our staff can be more available to residents in their roles as carers.
- If a visitor is unable to complete their own rapid antigen test they will need to make an appointment at the care centre for the test to be conducted by staff prior to entry. Contact numbers for staff to assist are displayed at self-serve rapid antigen testing stations.
- Unless, as above, assistance is required with rapid antigen testing on entry appointments for visits are no longer required.
- All visitors are to complete the wellness questionnaire on arrival. This includes confirmation that they have had at least 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and the 2022 influenza vaccine.
- All visitors must wear surgical masks when visiting a resident in their room or a P2N95 mask if visiting a resident in common areas (in this case, the Care Centre will provide visitors with the P2N95 mask).
- No cloth masks are permitted.
Until Monday please make an appointment with the Care Manager for any planned visits.
As always please do not visit your loved one if you are experiencing any symptoms or are feeling unwell, even if the symptoms are mild. Even if you have a negative COVID-19 test result you may still have influenza or another virus which is highly contagious.
Please pass this message on to others as you consider appropriate and if you have any questions please contact your Care Manager.
Thank you once again for your patience and understanding. The efforts of our staff have been made easier knowing they have your support.
Yours sincerely
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
