28 July 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
I am writing to provide you with an update as we manage the risk of COVID-19 in your loved one’s aged care centre.
We have received the results of yesterday’s PCR tests which have confirmed another three residents in Sanctuary House to have the virus.
We are now caring for 16 residents with COVID-19 in Greenfields, McLean and Sanctuary houses. All residents are experiencing symptoms ranging from mild to none at all and are being closely monitored as staff care for them in their rooms.
We continue to encourage all residents in these three houses to remain in their rooms where staff are supporting them with their care needs, meals, and assistance where needed with phone and video calls.
As you may recall from my previous updates, we are currently managing the entire care centre in accordance with our outbreak management plan and in consultation with the local public health unit. This includes ensuring any other cases of COVID-19 are detected early with precautionary testing.
To continue our program of testing for early detection, all residents in Greenfields, McLean and Sanctuary houses who have not yet tested positive, will again be tested tomorrow via the PCR method.
I will provide my next update early next week which will include the results of tomorrow’s tests. If your loved one returns a positive result staff will be in touch with you by phone and continue to update you on their progress.
Visiting arrangements
While the risk of COVID-19 remains high within the care centre, the following visiting arrangements remain in place.
Greenfield, McLean and Sanctuary House
Until further notice these three houses are closed to all visitors except for those who assist with essential care or by special arrangement with the Care Manager.
All other areas of the care centre
Visiting at this time is strongly discouraged but if you do wish to visit, please assist staff by complying with the following arrangements:
- 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.
- 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.
If you are experiencing any symptoms at all, or are feeling unwell please DO NOT VISIT. 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.
Thank you for your support.
Yours sincerely,
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
