18 August 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
I am writing to provide an update as we manage the risk of COVID-19 at your loved one’s aged care centre.
We have received the results of the PCR tests conducted on Monday and Wednesday and pleasingly all were negative.
I’m also glad to share that our two residents who were transferred to our COVID-19 unit in Kirrawee are both stable and doing well. We expect them to reach their full recovery criteria and return home in the coming days. Full recovery occurs at least 10 days after diagnosis and a further 24 hours without symptoms.
In further positive news, we have received advice from the local public health unit that all residents in Kookaburra and the close contacts identified in Kingfisher and Cockatoo can come out of isolation tomorrow, pending a final review.
As a precautionary measure, the local public health unit has advised us to continue with our regime of testing for early detection for another week. The precautionary testing will be for residents in Kookaburra and those identified as close contacts in Kingfisher and Cockatoo only. All other residents do not have to be tested.
I will provide you with another update early next week which will include the results of our ongoing precautionary testing. As previously explained, if your loved one returns a positive results, staff will contact you by phone to let you know.
Visiting arrangements
With the risk of COVID-19 being managed at the centre, and until the outbreak is formally resolved, you are encouraged to postpone your visit at this time. If you do 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 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
