26 August 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
Thank you for your ongoing support and patience as we manage the outbreak of COVID-19 at your loved one’s aged care centre.
Test results
You might recall from my last update that testing according to our early detection regime was scheduled for residents in the Flametree building this week (those who hadn’t already tested positive).
Pleasingly the results were all negative and in other good news a number of residents have also reached their full recovery criteria.
This includes all residents in Flametree Level 1 who are no longer required to remain in their rooms and they have been enjoying meeting with each other in their common areas and the dining room.
Some residents in Flametree Ground Floor have also been deemed recovered, but some are continuing their recovery. They are stable and experiencing fewer symptoms each day. For the utmost caution those from this area who have not been diagnosed with the virus will be tested again tomorrow.
This progress gives us optimism that we are on track towards resolution of the outbreak but we have not dropped our guard and the care centre continues to be managed according to our outbreak management plan, with all infection control protocols in place.
Your loved one will notice that staff continue to wear additional personal protection equipment such as face shields, gloves; and in some areas, gowns. This will continue until we are directed by the local public health unit to begin our transition out of the outbreak.
As we are on track towards resolution of the outbreak, from tomorrow revised visiting arrangements will be implemented as outlined below.
Revised visiting arrangements
Please assist staff by complying with the following:
- Residents are permitted 2 visitors only by appointment.
- No children under the age of 12 are permitted to visit.
- All visitors are asked to show proof of a negative rapid antigen test and 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.
Resident outings
Just a reminder that 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 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 again for your co-operation.
Yours sincerely
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
