15 August 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
Thank you for your ongoing support as we manage the risk of COVID-19 at your loved one’s aged care centre. The work of our staff is made easier with your patience and understanding.
I wrote to you on Friday to let you know that we were caring for a number of residents who had been diagnosed with the virus on Level 1 of the care centre and that all residents in the care centre would undergo precautionary testing.
We have received the results of those tests which unfortunately have confirmed another three residents to be COVID-19-positive. One of the residents is from Level 1 and the two others are from the Orchid Wing and the Dementia Secure Unit.
Further PCR tests for all residents will be conducted again on Wednesday but meanwhile we have also completed a round of rapid antigen tests today which indicate three more residents have the virus even though they don’t yet appear to have any symptoms. Until they are tested via PCR on Wednesday we will assume they are positive and we have let their nominated representatives know.
In pleasing news our resident who was last week transferred to hospital for additional treatment of their symptoms has returned to the care centre where they are continuing their recovery.
All residents are reasonably stable and managing symptoms ranging from none at all to moderate (which includes; fever, sore throat, cough and muscle aches). We continue to monitor them regularly as we care for them in their rooms.
In order to reduce the risk of transmission, all residents (not just those diagnosed with COVID-19) in the care centre are encouraged to remain in their rooms where they are being served their meals.
Our Lifestyle team continues to offer support where needed to connect with family and friends by video and phone calls. If you are talking with your loved one and you have any concerns please let the Care Manager know.
As mentioned above, in order to detect any other cases as early as possible all residents who have not already tested positive to COVID-19 via PCR method, will be tested again on Wednesday. Results will be analysed off site in a laboratory and we expect to receive the results about 24 hours after testing is complete.
As previously explained, if your loved one returns a positive result staff will let you know by phone and continue to update you on their progress.
Visiting arrangements
Until we are certain there is no further risk of transmission of COVID-19 in the care centre, visiting is strongly discouraged, however if you do wish to continue with your plans to visit, please assist staff by observing the following arrangements:
- 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 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 support.
Yours sincerely
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
