Important information about IRT Berala on the Park Aged Care Centre

23 August 2022

Dear family member/resident representative,

I’m writing to provide you with an update as we manage the risk of COVID-19 at your loved one’s aged care centre.

We have received the results from our last round of PCR tests which have confirmed one more resident to have the virus on Level 3.

All residents diagnosed with COVID-19 on Level 3 and in the Dementia Secure Unit are stable and experiencing mild symptoms as they continue recovering in their rooms.

I’m also glad to let you know that two of our residents who were previously diagnosed with COVID-19 on Level 3 have reached their full recovery criteria and are now free of the virus.

We are continuing with our regime of testing to ensure we detect any other cases as soon as possible. To this end, all residents on Level 3 and in the Dementia Secure Unit who have not already tested positive will be tested again tomorrow. Residents in other areas of the care centre do not have to be tested.

I will provide you with another update when we receive the results, but if your loved one returns a positive test result staff will contact you directly.

Visiting arrangements

Until we are certain there is no further risk of transmission of COVID-19 in the care centre you are encouraged to postpone your visit at this time, however if you do continue with your plans to visit please assist staff by complying with the arrangements outlined below.

• Residents are permitted 2 visitors only and strictly by appointment only.
• 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. If you complete the test at the centre please wait 15 minutes before entering and if you can please take a photo of it with your phone to show staff if they ask you to.
• 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.
• Please co-operate with staff if they ask you to adjust your PPE. They will do so because they know how it is to be worn correctly in order 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 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.

Yours sincerely

Nia Briguglio

EGM – Aged Care Centres