18 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 and pleasingly all were negative.
In other good news, two of our residents who were previously diagnosed with COVID-19 have reached their full recovery criteria and are now free of the virus. Full recovery occurs at least 10 days after diagnosis and a further 24 hours without symptoms.
We are now caring for a total of 19 residents with the virus. One resident is in the Banksia Wing (Dementia Secure Unit), two residents are in the Orchid Wing and the remaining 17 residents are on Level 1. All residents are recovering reasonably well with symptoms ranging from mild to none at all as we care for them in their rooms.
In order to reduce the risk of transmission, we continue to encourage all residents (not just those diagnosed with COVID-19) to remain in their rooms where staff are supporting them with their care needs, serving their meals, and supplying activity packs to suit a range of interests.
We are continuing with our program of testing for early detection and will be testing all residents who have not already tested positive to COVID-19 tomorrow and again on Sunday via the PCR method. 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.
I will provide you with another update early next week which will include the tests results, and hopefully news of more of our residents reaching their full recovery criteria.
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
