26 July 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
Thank you for your continued support as we manage the risk of COVID-19 in your loved one’s aged care centre.
I’m pleased to advise the COVID-19 outbreak in Magnolia Cottage was officially closed by the local Public Health Unit on Sunday 24 July. Only two residents from this cottage remain in the COVID-19 wing and are due to come out of isolation towards the end of this week. All other residents in Magnolia Cottage are now free of the virus and are able to leave their rooms.
Over the weekend, we had one resident on level two in the Flame Tree building become symptomatic and test positive to COVID-19. As a result, we tested all residents on level two of the building via the PCR method and the results confirmed another five residents with the virus.
The six residents diagnosed with COVID-19 have all been transferred to the COVID-19 wing of the Flame Tree building. All six residents are stable and are experiencing mild to no symptoms at all. All other residents on level two of the Flame Tree building are being encouraged to stay in their rooms in order to limit the transmission of the virus.
To ensure early detection of any other cases, all residents on level two of the Flame Tree building will be tested today via the PCR method. Due to a potential exposure, we will also be testing some residents on levels three and four of the Flame Tree building in today’s round of testing. Results can take up to 24 hours and I will provide another update when we receive them.
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
While we continue to 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, please assist the care centre by complying with the following:
- Children under 12 years of age are not permitted to visit.
- Residents are permitted 2 visitors only by appointment.
- All visitors are asked to show proof of a negative rapid antigen test 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.
Please do not visit if you are unwell yourself, with even the mildest symptoms. Symptoms of respiratory infection can indicate a range of contagious viruses including COVID-19 and influenza.
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 co-operation.
Yours sincerely
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
