20 July 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
I am writing to let you know we’ve had two residents at your loved one’s care centre test positive to COVID-19. The residents, who are located in Coolangatta House, are experiencing mild symptoms and are being monitored closely as we care for them in their rooms.
We’ve also had some staff test positive to COVID-19 and they are recovering at home away from work.
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.
As a precautionary measure, all residents living in Coolangatta House were tested via the PCR method and, pleasingly, all returned a negative result. To further minimise the risk, all residents in this house have been encouraged to remain in their rooms where they are being supported by the Lifestyle team and served their meals.
Due to staff cross-over in the care centre, we also tested residents living in Cambewarra and Crookhaven House via the PCR method and all residents returned a negative result and are showing no signs or symptoms of the virus.
To ensure early detection of any other cases, we will again be testing all residents in Cambewarra and Coolangatta House today via the PCR method. We will also be testing residents in Comerong House today due to a potential staff exposure. Residents living in Crookhaven House will be tested tomorrow. Results for these tests can take up to 24 hours and we will let you know once we receive them.
If your loved one returns a positive result, staff will let you know by phone and a member of staff will continue to provide you with a daily update regarding their progress.
Visiting arrangements
Coolangatta House
Until further notice we have reluctantly closed this house to all visitors, unless by special arrangement with the Care Manager.
All other areas of the care centre
You are strongly discouraged from visiting but if you do wish to visit, please assist staff by complying with the following arrangements:
- Two visitors per resident and by appointment only.
- No children under the age of 12 years.
- All visitors are asked to show proof of a negative rapid antigen test before entering the care centre.
- All visitors are asked to wear a P2/N95 mask when visiting and other PPE as directed by staff.
- Please wear your mask 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.
As always 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 virus 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
