Important information about IRT Tarrawanna Aged Care Centre

2 May 2023

Dear family member/resident representative,

I’m writing to provide you with an update as we manage the risk of COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) at your loved one’s aged care centre.

COVID-19 update

We have received the results of our last round of tests which have unfortunately confirmed some more residents in Lyrebird to have the virus.

In some good news, however, many of our residents who previously tested positive to COVID-19 have reached their full recovery criteria and are now free of the virus.

We continue to care for a small number of residents with COVID-19 in Lyrebird and, apart from experiencing some mild symptoms such as nasal congestion and a cough, all residents are regarded as stable.

We will be conducting another round of Rapid Antigen Tests on Thursday 4 May 2023 for residents in Lyrebird who have not already tested positive to COVID-19. All other residents do not have to be tested and we will let you know when we receive the results.

RSV update

We are currently caring for one resident with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Rosella.

This is the second resident who has tested positive to RSV in the last week, however the first resident to contract the virus has already reached their full recovery criteria and is well again.

Our resident with RSV is being cared for in their room and, apart from experiencing a cough and nasal congestion, they are regarded as stable.

At this stage, all of the other residents in Rosella are asymptomatic and no further testing is required on residents in this area of the care centre.

We are monitoring all residents with COVID-19 and RSV closely in consultation with their GPs.

Visiting arrangements

While we manage the risk of COVID-19 and RSV at the care centre, you are encouraged to postpone your visit at this time.

If you do continue with your plans to visit, the following arrangements apply: 

• All visitors will be asked to wear a P2/N95 mask and a face shield which will be provided on entry.
• Those visiting a resident who is considered a close contact or is COVID-19/RSV-positive will also be asked to wear a gown and instructed on how to dispose of it safely.
• Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to visit.

All other visiting arrangements, including the requirement to provide proof of a negative rapid antigen test result on arrival, continue to apply.

You can find more information about our visiting arrangements on our website here.

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 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.

Kind regards,

Rebecca Perry
Operations Manager – Illawarra Aged Care Centres