5 August 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
I am writing to let you know that 14 residents at your loved one’s aged care centre have tested positive to COVID-19.
The 14 residents were tested via a combination of Rapid Antigen Tests and PCR tests and are from multiple levels of the care centre. Two residents are from level 2, three are from level 3, and the remaining nine are from the Dementia Secure Unit.
Of the 14 residents with COVID-19, one has been transferred to Westmead Hospital for treatment and management of their symptoms. The remaining 13 residents are experiencing mild symptoms including a cough and sore throat and are being cared for in their rooms.
In response to this we have implemented our outbreak management plan, which includes a range of infection control protocols, in order to minimise the risk of the virus spreading within the care centre.
To further minimise the risk of transmission, all residents across the care centre are being encouraged to remain in their rooms where staff are supporting them with their care needs, activities to suit a range of interests, and help with phone and video calls where needed.
During an outbreak like this, we follow a regime of regular testing to ensure early detection of any other cases. To this end, all residents who haven’t tested positive will be tested tomorrow via the PCR method. These tests are analysed off-site in a laboratory and it can take up to 24 hours for us to receive the results.
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
While we manage the risk of COVID-19 at the centre, visiting is strongly discouraged. If you do continue with your plans to visit, the following arrangements now apply:
- 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, 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 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
