2 August 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
Thank you for your support as we manage your loved one’s aged care centre in accordance with our outbreak management plan.
You will recall from my message to you on Friday that we are continuing to care for some residents with COVID-19 at our care centre.
As part of our program of precautionary testing, all residents who had not yet tested positive on level two of the Flame Tree building, as well as some residents deemed close contacts on levels three and four, were again tested on Friday 29 July and Monday 1 August via the PCR method.
We have now received the results of those two rounds of tests and pleasingly all were negative.
Our eight residents with the virus from level two of the Flame Tree building, along with some residents from other IRT aged care centres, are continuing their recovery in the COVID-19 wing of the Flame Tree building. All residents are stable with symptoms ranging from none at all to very mild.
We will continue with our program of precautionary testing and will conduct the next round of PCR tests tomorrow. I will provide another update when we receive the results.
If your loved one returns a positive result, staff will let you know by phone, and a member of staff will continue to provide you with a daily update regarding their progress.
Visiting arrangements
While we continue to manage the risk of COVID-19 at the centre you are encouraged to postpone your visit at this time. If you do continue with your plans to visit however, please be aware of the following arrangements:
- Residents are permitted 2 visitors only by appointment.
- Children under 12 years of age are not permitted to visit.
- All visitors are asked to show proof of a negative rapid antigen test before entering the care centre.
- All visitors are asked to wear all necessary PPE at all times while in the care centre including a P2/N95 mask and a face shield which will be provided on entry.
- Those visiting a resident who is considered a close contact or is COVID-19 positive will also be asked to wear a gown and instructed on how to dispose of it safely.
- Please wear your PPE 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 do not visit if you are unwell yourself, with even the mildest symptoms. Symptoms of respiratory infection can indicate a range of contagious viruses including COVID-19 and influenza.
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
