5 August 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to ensure the safety and health of your loved one and all others in the care centre.
The work of our staff is made easier with your support.
Since my update to you on Wednesday I am pleased to let you know that the results from COVID-19 PCR tests for all residents in Meroo were negative.
We continue to care for two residents diagnosed with the virus as they continue their recovery with mild to no symptoms.
While this is great news, we remain focussed on ensuring the risk of transmission is managed within the centre and continue to operate in accordance with our outbreak management plan.
For this reason, and until we have further guidance from the local public health unit, all other residents in Meroo are encouraged to remain in their rooms and will be tested again tomorrow.
Staff are continuing to support them with their care needs and offering assistance where required with phone and video calls to family and friends.
Residents in all other areas of the care centre are able to leave their rooms and socialise with others in their area, and are not required to undergo further testing.
Visiting arrangements
Until we have the results of tomorrow’s tests, and further guidance from the local public health unit visiting to the care centre is still strongly discouraged. As previously explained however, if you do go ahead with your plans to visit, the following arrangements are in place:
- Two visitors per resident and by appointment only.
- No children under the age of 12 years.
- All visitors are asked to show proof of a negative rapid antigen test before entering the care centre. Please do not enter the site until you have completed the test according to instructions, including waiting for 15 minutes for the test’s completion. If there is nobody in attendance to witness your result, please take a photo of the negative test as staff may ask you for proof.
- All visitors are asked to wear a P2/N95 mask when visiting and other PPE as directed by staff.
- Please wear your mask as instructed by staff. If a staff member asks you to adjust it they are doing so to protect you, your loved one, and all others living and working in the care centre.
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
