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.
You may recall from my update last week that we had five residents in Kembla Cottage who tested positive to COVID-19. In response, and to ensure we detected any other cases as early as possible, we tested all residents in that cottage again on Friday 22 July and Sunday 24 July via the PCR method.
We have received the results of both rounds of tests which have confirmed another two residents to have the virus. We now have a total of seven residents who have tested positive to COVID-19 at the centre.
Of the seven residents who have tested positive, two were transferred to a COVID-19 wing in another IRT aged care centre in Kirrawee where they continue to receive care. One resident continues to receive treatment in hospital, and the remaining four residents all have mild symptoms and are being cared for in their rooms.
We continue to encourage all residents in Kembla Cottage to remain in their rooms where they are being supported by the Lifestyle team and served their meals.
To ensure early detection of any other cases, all residents in Kembla Cottage will be tested again today via the PCR method. We will also be testing all residents in Nebo Cottage today due to a potential exposure. Results for these tests can take up to 24 hours and we will let you know 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:
- Residents are permitted 2 visitors only by appointment.
- No children under the age of 12 years are 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. 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.
As always please do not visit your loved one if you are experiencing any symptoms or are feeling unwell, even if the symptoms are mild. Even if you have a negative COVID-19 test result you may still have influenza 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.
Yours sincerely
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
