10 August 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
Thank you for your support as we manage the risk of COVID-19 in your loved one’s aged care centre.
Since writing to you at the beginning of this week we have continued with our program of early detection and tested all residents who had not already tested positive to COVID-19 again on Monday.
We have now received the results of those tests which confirmed two more residents to have the virus.
We are now caring for 24 residents with COVID-19 at the care centre; ten are in the Dementia Secure Unit, four are on level 2, and ten are on level 3. All residents are being monitored regularly as we care for them in their rooms and are experiencing a range of mild symptoms including a cough, fever and sore throat.
We also have one resident who remains in Westmead Hospital where they are receiving further treatment and management of their symptoms.
To minimise the risk of transmission, we continue to encourage all residents to remain in their rooms where they are being supported by staff with their care needs, served their meals and activities to suit a range of interests.
To detect any other cases as early as possible, all residents in the care centre who have not already tested positive to the virus will be tested again today via the PCR method.
I will provide another update later in the week when we hope to have the results, 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
Please assist staff by complying with the following arrangements which have been implemented to reduce the risk of transmission to all those in the centre including your loved one, other residents, staff and visitors.
- Residents are permitted 2 visitors only and strictly by appointment only.
- No children under the age of 12 years are permitted to visit. I know this is challenging but please do not bring children to the centre while we are managing an outbreak of COVID-19.
- All visitors are asked to show proof of a negative rapid antigen test before entering the care centre. If you complete the test at the centre please wait 15 minutes before entering.
- All visitors must wear all necessary PPE properly at all times while in the care centre including a P2/N95 mask, face shield and gown which will be provided on entry. You will also be instructed on how to dispose of your PPE safely when leaving.
- If a staff member asks you to adjust your PPE they are doing so because they know how it is to be worn in order to protect you, your loved one, and all others living and working in the care centre.
Importantly, 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 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 co-operation. The work of our staff is made easier when they know they have your support.
Yours sincerely
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
