1 August 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
The purpose of this message is to provide you with an update about your loved one’s aged care centre and our management of the current outbreak of COVID-19 in Nebo and Kembla cottages.
Since writing to you late last week all residents (other than those already diagnosed with the virus) in both cottages have been tested via the PCR method and we have received results confirming another three residents in Nebo to be positive.
All residents are being cared for in their rooms and monitored closely as they experience symptoms ranging from none at all, to moderate. I let you know early in the outbreak that two residents were transferred to our COVID-19 unit in Kirrawee for their recovery. Pleasingly one has already reached their recovery criteria and returned to their home at William Beach Gardens. Another two residents in our care centre are also deemed recovered.
While it is pleasing news that some residents have already recovered, the risk of transmission remains so in order to help minimise this risk, all residents in the Kembla and Nebo Cottages are still encouraged to stay in their rooms where their meals are being served. Staff are providing support with their care needs and regular visits to ensure they have access to activities of interest and help where needed with phone and video calls.
To continue our program of early detection all residents who have not tested positive will be tested again today via the PCR method.
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
You are encouraged to postpone your visit while we manage the care centre in accordance with our outbreak management plan. If you do continue with your plans to visit, please be aware of the following arrangements:
- Residents are permitted 2 visitors only by appointment.
- 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.
- 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.
If you are experiencing any symptoms or are feeling unwell, even if the symptoms are mild, please do not visit. A negative COVID-19 test result may mean you don’t have COVID-19 but you may still have influenza or another highly 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
