19 August 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
As you will be aware, we are currently managing your loved one’s aged care centre in accordance with our outbreak management plan.
This is in response to a number or residents across the care centre being diagnosed with COVID-19. The outbreak management plan outlines best practice steps for infection control including the establishment of zones within the care centre, co-horting of staff in specific areas, and the requirements for ensuring where possible that residents remain in their rooms.
In consultation with the local public health unit, the plan also outlines the regime for regular testing of residents in the care centre to ensure any further cases are detected as early as possible.
Test results
Since writing to you earlier this week we have received the results of tests conducted yesterday for residents of Level 3 who had not been diagnosed with the virus (including the dementia support unit).
We have received the results which have confirmed two more residents have the virus; both from Level 3. The residents are experiencing mild symptoms and we are monitoring them regularly. Others yet to reach their recovery criteria, including one in the dementia support unit, are stable with few symptoms.
In pleasing news I am glad to let you know that all residents of Level 2 who were diagnosed with the virus have reached their full recovery criteria. This allows for all residents on that level to move about within their areas, meet with others in common areas and dine together in the dining room.
Those from Level 3 who have reached their recovery criteria are also able to leave their rooms, but while some residents continue their recovery on that level, meals will continue to be served in resident rooms.
Continuing our regime of testing to ensure we detect any other cases as soon as possible, all residents on Level 3 who have not already tested positive will be tested again tomorrow. Residents in other areas of the care centre do not have to be tested. The tests will be sent off site for analysis and we expect to receive the results within 24 hours. As previously explained if your loved one returns a positive result staff will contact you to let you know.
Visiting arrangements
As we still have new cases developing, and the risk of transmission in the care centre remains, you are encouraged to postpone your visit at this time, however if you do continue with your plans to visit please assist staff by complying with the arrangements outlined below.
- Residents are permitted 2 visitors only and strictly by appointment only.
- No children under the age of 12 years are permitted to visit. I know this is challenging but please do not bring children to the centre while we are managing an outbreak of COVID-19.
- Before entering the care centre all visitors are asked to show proof of a negative rapid antigen test conducted on the day of the visit. If you complete the test at the centre please wait 15 minutes before entering and if you can please take a photo of it with your phone to show staff if they ask you to.
- All visitors must wear all necessary PPE properly at all times while in the care centre including a P2/N95 mask, face shield and gown which will be provided on entry. You will also be instructed on how to dispose of your PPE safely when leaving.
- Please co-operate with staff if they ask you to adjust your PPE. The will do so because they know how it is to be worn correctly in order to protect you, your loved one, and all others living and working in the care centre.
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 contagious virus.
Please pass this message on to others as you consider appropriate and if you have any questions please contact your Care Manager.
Yours sincerely
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
