21 April 2023
Dear family member/resident representative
I am writing to provide you with an update as we manage the risk of COVID-19 at your loved one’s aged care centre, and also remind you about our influenza vaccination requirements for visitors which come into effect from 1 May 2023.
COVID-19 outbreak update
We’ve received the results of our PCR tests conducted on our residents identified as close contacts in House 1 and House 2, and pleasingly all were negative.
Given the residents in House 1 were classified as moderate risk close contacts, they are now able to come out of isolation and do not require any further testing.
We continue to care for two residents with the virus in House 2, and both remain stable with mild symptoms including a cough and sore throat. We are monitoring them closely in consultation with their GPs.
Our next round of testing is scheduled for Sunday 23 April and will be for the resident identified as a high risk close contact in House 2 only. All other residents do not have to be tested.
While we manage the risk of COVID-19 in House 2, we encourage you to reconsider any planned visits to this area of the care centre at this time. If you do wish to proceed with your visit, you may be asked to wear additional PPE, such as a P2/N95 mask. Children under the age of 12 are also strongly discouraged from visiting this area of the care centre at this time.
There are no other changes to the current visiting arrangements in place.
Influenza vaccination reminder
You might recall that that we wrote to you earlier this month about our influenza vaccination requirements for visitors to our aged care centres.
I’d like to remind you that from 1 May 2023 when visiting your loved one, you will be required to provide proof of having received the 2023 influenza vaccine.
This requirement is in accordance with our policy, as it has been for the past few years, where anyone (other than our residents and customers) who has not received their flu vaccination by 1 May 2023 will not be able to enter our aged care centres, retirement villages or customers’ homes. This includes employees, volunteers, students, contractors and visitors (aged 6 months and older). The only exception will be those with a legitimate medical exemption, or as previously mentioned, the residents and customers themselves.
Vaccination is the best protection against influenza and will not only improve your own defence against serious illness but also reduce the chance of passing it on to those around you including those most vulnerable like your loved one and other residents at their care centre.
What does this mean for you?
Please ensure that you get your 2023 flu vaccination between now and 1 May 2023. Flu shots can be obtained at your local pharmacy or from your GP.
You will need to retain proof of your 2023 flu vaccination as from 1 May you will be asked to declare you have it when answering questions in the check-in process before visiting your loved one (see information below). At any time when in the care centre you may also be asked to provide evidence of this to a staff member.
Wellness check-in
From 1 May, the questions completed in the check-in process on arrival at your loved one’s care centre will be updated to include a declaration that you have received your 2023 flu vaccination.
Please make sure that you carefully read the update to the questions and answer them all honestly each time you visit.
All other visiting arrangements, including the requirement to complete a rapid antigen test before each visit, continue to apply. More details on these arrangements can be found on our website here.
Please pass this message on to others as you consider appropriate and if you have any questions please contact your Care Manager
Thank you once again for your continued support.
Kind regards,
Rebecca Perry
Operations Manager – Illawarra Aged Care Centres
