20 October 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
I am writing to let you know that two residents of Level 3 at your loved one’s aged care centre have tested positive to COVID-19.
The residents are experiencing very few, if any, symptoms and we have engaged with their GPs to discuss commencing anti-viral treatment if necessary. Both are being cared for in their rooms where they are being served their meals.
The residents were tested via the PCR method following a potential exposure on Sunday and returned the positive results. All other residents on Level 3 have been tested and so far have returned negative results. They will be tested again today and are also being encouraged to remain in their rooms, where staff will tend to their care needs and serve their meals.
For the utmost caution, residents of Level 2 were tested using the rapid antigen testing method following a recent combined resident activity with all returning negative results. They will also be tested today via the PCR method.
In response we have implemented our outbreak management plan and the usual infection control protocols are now in place to minimise the risk of transmission within the centre. As is the usual practice a regime of regular PCR testing for residents on Levels 2 and 3 will also continue after today’s round.
I will continue to provide updates like this one, but if your loved one returns a positive result staff will let you know by phone and will continue to provide you with daily updates on their progress.
Visiting arrangements
Regular visiting arrangements apply to all areas of the care centre except Level 3 – see details below.
Level 3
While there is a degree of transmission risk at the centre, visiting to Level 3 is strongly discouraged. If you do wish to continue with your plans to visit, please note 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 face shield which will be provided on entry.
- 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 your loved one if you are experiencing any symptoms or are feeling unwell, even if the symptoms are mild. Even if you have a negative COVID-19 test result you may still have influenza which is highly contagious.
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
