16 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 currently have just two residents with COVID-19 at the care centre. One lives in Lyrebird, and the other resident lives in Kookaburra (and contracted the virus while in hospital for other health-related matters).
Unfortunately our resident in Kookaburra has returned to hospital for further treatment of their symptoms, and we are in regular contact with the hospital staff to check-in on their wellbeing. Our resident in Lyrebird is regarded as stable, and we are monitoring them closely in consultation with their GP.
Our next round of tests will be on Thursday 18 May for residents in Lyrebird who have not already tested positive to COVID-19. All other residents, including those in Kookaburra, do not have to be tested and we will let you know when we receive the results.
RSV update
I’m pleased to share that one of our residents in Rosella who was previously diagnosed with RSV reached their full recovery criteria yesterday and is now free of the virus.
We now have just one resident in Rosella with RSV, and we are hopeful that they too will reach their full recovery criteria soon.
Visiting arrangements
While we manage the risk of COVID-19 and RSV at the 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 strongly discouraged from visiting at this time.
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.
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
