1 May 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 Kembla Cottage and Elouera Cottage and are experiencing symptoms ranging from none at all to moderate as we care for them in their rooms.
We also have one resident who is being transferred to Wollongong Hospital today for further assessment and treatment of their symptoms.
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 some changes to visiting requirements and mask wearing which are outlined further below.
As a precautionary measure, and to ensure early detection of any other cases, we will be conducting another round of PCR tests this Saturday 6 May on residents in Kembla Cottage and Elouera Cottage who have been identified as close contacts. All other residents do not have to be tested at this stage.
I will provide you with another update when we receive the test results. 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
Kembla Cottage and Elouera Cottage
We encourage you to reconsider any planned visits to these two areas of the care centre at this time.
If you do wish to proceed with your visit, you may be asked to wear additional PPE, such as a P2/N95 mask.
Children under the age of 12 are strongly discouraged from visiting these two areas of the care centre at this time.
All other areas of the care centre
There are no other changes to the current visiting arrangements in place.
Please remember our visiting arrangements include 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 to complete the wellness questionnaire at reception on arrival.
- All visitors are asked to wear all relevant PPE as directed by staff.
Remember if you are experiencing any symptoms or are feeling unwell, even if the symptoms are mild, please do not visit. Even if you have a negative COVID-19 test result you may still have another type of infection 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.
Rebecca Perry
Operations Manager – Illawarra Aged Care Centres
