22 November 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.
Since writing to you last week, I’m pleased to advise that one more resident reached their full recovery criteria and is now free of the virus.
We are now caring for four residents with COVID-19 in Elizabeth Kemp Cottage and Scott Cottage, with three of these expected to reach their full recovery criteria today, pending a final review.
In further good news, we have received the results of our PCR tests conducted on Sunday and Monday and pleasingly all were negative.
For the utmost caution, we will continue with our regime of testing for early detection. Residents in Elizabeth Kemp Cottage who have not already tested positive to COVID-19 will be tested via the PCR method again today, and those in Scott Cottage will be tested on Thursday.
I will provide you with another update when we receive the results of these tests. As previously explained, if your loved one returns a positive result, staff will let you know by phone and will keep you updated on their progress
Visiting arrangements
Visiting arrangements remain the same at this time and are detailed below.
Elizabeth Kemp Cottage
As we manage the risk of COVID-19 at the care centre, visiting residents in Elizabeth Kemp Cottage is strongly discouraged. If you do wish to continue with your plans to visit, the following arrangements remain in place:
- 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 and face shield 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.
All other areas of the care centre
There are no changes to visiting arrangements in all other areas of 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 result you may still have influenza or another virus which is highly contagious.
If you have any questions please contact your Care Manager.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Yours sincerely
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
