12 August 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
I am writing to let you know that two residents at your loved one’s aged care centre have tested positive to COVID-19.
The residents, who both live in Kookaburra, are experiencing mild symptoms such as a cough and sore throat and in consultation with their family have been transferred to our COVID-19 unit at Kirrawee where they will continue their recovery.
In response to this we have implemented our outbreak management plan, which as you may be aware, includes a range of infection control protocols, in order to minimise the risk of the virus spreading within the care centre.
As a precautionary measure, all residents in Kookaburra are being encouraged to remain in their rooms where they are being supported by staff with their care needs, served their meals, and supplied with a range activities to suit their interests. Staff are also assisting residents where required with phone or video calls to their family and friends.
Elsewhere in the centre, limited activities will continue however these may have to be modified as we learn more from test results in the coming days.
To ensure early detection of any other cases, all residents in the care centre will be tested today via the PCR method where samples are sent off-site for laboratory analysis.
Results for these tests can take up to 24 hours. If your loved one returns a positive result, staff will let you know by phone, and a member of staff will continue to provide you with a daily update regarding their progress.
Visiting arrangements and the wearing of PPE
With the risk of COVID-19 being managed 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 now apply:
- Residents are permitted 2 visitors only by appointment.
- No children under the age of 12 are permitted to visit.
All visitors are asked to show proof of a negative rapid antigen test and 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 a face shield which will be provided on entry.
- Those visiting a resident who is considered a close contact or is COVID-19 positive will also be asked to wear a gown and instructed on how to dispose of it safely.
- 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.
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.
Yours sincerely
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
