17 May 2023
Dear family member/resident representative,
I am writing to provide you with an update as we manage the risk of COVID-19 at your loved one’s care centre.
We have received the results from our last round of PCR tests and pleasingly all were negative.
In further good news, all residents in Kembla, Elouera and Akuna Cottages who were previously diagnosed with COVID-19 have reached their full recovery criteria and are now free of the virus. This means we no longer have any active cases of COVID-19 at the care centre.
In line with advice from the local Public Health Unit, we are continuing with our regime of testing to ensure early detection of any other cases.
To this end, we are conducting a round of Rapid Antigen Tests today in Kembla and Elouera Cottages for residents who have not already tested positive to the virus during this outbreak. This will be followed by a round of PCR tests on Friday 19 May in the same two areas. All other residents, including those in Akuna Cottage, do not have to be tested, and we will let you know when we receive the results.
Visiting arrangements
Kembla and Elouera Cottages
We encourage you to reconsider any planned visits to these 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 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
