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An update about IRT Five Islands Aged Care Centre

25 August 2022

Thank you for your support as we have managed the outbreak of COVID-19 at your loved one’s aged care centre.

I am pleased to let you know that since my last update to you, the results of COVID-19 tests conducted for all residents in House 1 (those not already diagnosed with the virus) have been received and all are negative.

In other good news, one more of our residents who was earlier diagnosed with the virus has reached their recovery criteria and we are now caring for only one resident with the virus. They are experiencing fewer symptoms and along with all other residents in House 1 are being cared for in their room where they are served their meals.

All the residents of House 1 who have not tested positive will be tested again tomorrow. I will provide you with an update early next week when I hope to be able to share news of our transition out of our outbreak management plan which will include details of a resumption of regular visiting arrangements, activities and resident outings.

Until then however, there are no changes to our visiting arrangements. We continue to encourage you to postpone your visit but if you do continue with your plans to visit please comply with the arrangements outlined below.

Visiting arrangements

  • Residents are permitted 2 visitors only and strictly by appointment only.
  • No children under the age of 12 years are permitted to visit.
  • All visitors are asked to show proof of a negative rapid antigen test before entering the care centre. If you complete the test at the centre please wait 15 minutes before entering.
  • All visitors must wear all necessary PPE properly at all times while in the care centre including a P2/N95 mask and other PPE as directed by staff, such as a face shield and gown. All required PPE will be provided on entry. You will also be instructed on how to dispose of your PPE safely when leaving.
  • If a staff member asks you to adjust your PPE they are doing so because they know how it is to be worn in order to protect you, your loved one, and all others living and working in the care centre.

Please do not visit the care centre 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 another contagious virus.

Resident outings

While the centre is being managed in accordance with our outbreak management plan, resident outings (except for essential reasons such as a medical appointment) are also discouraged and you are advised to postpone any plans until the outbreak is resolved is advised.

If you do wish to proceed with any plans to take your loved one on an outing during an outbreak period, you should consider avoiding areas where social distancing is not possible.

Please be aware that even if your loved one has tested negative there is still a risk they may transmit the virus to others. They will also be asked to complete a rapid antigen test on their return to the care centre.

2022 UCI Road World Championships

You may be aware that Wollongong is the host city for the 2022 Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Road World Championships, an international road cycling event, from 17 to 25 September.

The Championships feature a number of races that will take place on the streets around the Wollongong CBD and surrounding suburbs across the week. The event will result in temporary changes to transport and traffic flow in areas of the Illawarra, which may affect your access to your loved one’s aged care.

If you are visiting your loved one’s aged care centre during the week of the Championships, I encourage you to become familiar with expected road closures and changed traffic conditions prior to your trip. You may need to consider an alternate route and allow extra travel time for your journey.

For more information on how the local area surrounding your home and your loved one’s aged care centre will operate, and to plan your trip during the Championships, we encourage you to visit the event website: https://wollongong2022.com.au

The website includes a range of information about the Championships including the race schedule, road closures, and frequently asked questions, and is being updated regularly as further details for the event are finalised. For a detailed overview of road closures including interactive maps, visit https://wollongong2022.com.au/resident-information-road-closures/

If you would like more information regarding the event please reach out to the Wollongong 2022 organisers at community@wollongong2022.com.au or call 1300 216 228.

Please pass this message on to others as you consider appropriate and if you have any questions please contact your Care Manager.

Thank you for your co-operation.

Yours sincerely

Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres

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