7 June 2023
Dear family member/resident representative,
Thank you for your support as we manage the risk of COVID-19 at your loved one’s aged care centre.
I am pleased to share that a number of residents who had tested positive for COVID-19 have reached their full recovery criteria and they are now free of the virus. We are continuing to care for a number of active COVID cases and these residents are experiencing mild symptoms.
Please be aware that unfortunately there are currently a number of COVID-positive residents who are choosing not to isolate in their rooms and are moving about the care centre, some without a surgical mask.
While visiting is still permitted for all people aged 12 years and over, please understand these risks if you choose to continue with your visit. As outlined in my previous message, you will be required to wear full PPE at all times and in all places within the care centre.
We understand that dealing with another COVID-19 outbreak is hard for our residents and being asked to isolate can be frustrating and upsetting. Our lifestyle team is supporting residents with one on one time, activity packs and is available to assist with contacting family by phone or video call.
To ensure we detect any other cases as soon as possible our routine testing regime continues. All residents who have so far tested negative will receive PCR tests today. If your loved one returns a positive result, we will let you know by phone and will continue to provide you with updates regarding their progress.
Visiting arrangements
If you choose to continue with your plans to visit please assist us by complying with the following:
- All visitors are asked to complete their own rapid antigen test at home or on arrival at the centre and provide proof of the negative result (photo or actual test).
- All visitors are asked to wear full PPE which includes a P2/N95 mask, face shield and gown which will be provided on entry. These are required to be worn at all times and in all places within the centre.
- You will be instructed by staff on how to wear your PPE correctly and 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.
- Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to visit.
More details on our visiting arrangements can be found on our website here.
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
Belinda Pheeney
Acting Operations Manager Sydney – Aged Care Centres
