27 February 2023
Dear family member/resident representative,
I am writing to let you know that three residents at your loved one’s aged care centre have tested positive to COVID-19.
Two of the residents who tested positive yesterday, live on Level 3 of the Flametree Building. The third resident who has also tested positive to COVID-19 lives on Level 5 in Flametree and is a new admission. The three residents are being cared for in their rooms and are experiencing mild to nil symptoms such as a husky voice. They have also been prescribed antivirals by their doctor.
We have implemented our outbreak management plan which includes a number of infection control protocols to ensure the risk of transmission is reduced at the aged care centre.
Until we are certain the risk of transmission within Level 3 of Flametree has been contained, all residents on this floor are encouraged to remain in their rooms where they will be supported by the Lifestyle team and served their meals.
To ensure early detection of any other cases, all residents in Flametree are being tested today via the PCR method. Results can take up to 24 hours and I will provide you with another update when we receive them.
If your loved one returns a positive result, staff will let you know by phone and continue to provide you with a daily update regarding their progress.
Visiting arrangements
Flametree Building Level 3
As we manage the risk of COVID-19 at the centre, visiting residents on Level 3 of Flametree is discouraged at this time. If you do wish to continue with your plans to visit, the following arrangements now apply:
- Residents are permitted 2 visitors only.
- Children under 12 years of age are not permitted to visit.
- 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.
All other areas of the care centre
There are no changes to visiting arrangements in all other areas of 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
