Important information about IRT Tarrawanna Aged Care Centre

26 April 2023

Dear family member/resident representative,

I am writing to let you know that some residents at your loved one’s aged care centre have tested positive to COVID-19.

The residents live in Lyrebird and are experiencing symptoms including a cough and elevated temperatures. Residents have commenced antiviral medication where appropriate and we are continuing to monitor them closely in consultation with their GPs.

We are also monitoring a resident in Lorikeet who was identified as a close contact. Given this resident visited some other areas of the care centre, we have conducted precautionary PCR tests on all residents in Lorikeet and Rosella. Pleasingly, no further cases have been detected so far.

In response to this we have implemented our outbreak management plan, which includes a range of infection control protocols, in order to minimise the risk of the virus spreading within the care centre.

We have also implemented a routine testing regime to ensure we detect any other cases as soon as possible. To this end, all residents in Lyrebird will be tested again tomorrow and we will let you know when we receive the results.

If your loved one returns a positive result, we will let you know by phone and continue to provide you with a daily update regarding their progress.

Visiting arrangements and the wearing of PPE

While we manage the risk of COVID-19 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:

• 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-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