28 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.
Since writing to you on Tuesday, we’ve had two more residents test positive to COVID-19 via the rapid antigen testing method. One resident is in Kembla Cottage and the other resident is in Nebo Cottage. We have tested both residents again using the PCR method and are awaiting their results.
We now have a total of nine residents who have tested positive to COVID-19 at the centre. Of the nine residents, two continue to receive care in the COVID-19 wing at our care centre in Kirrawee. Pleasingly, our resident who was in hospital has now returned to the centre and is being cared for in their room. The remaining six residents all have symptoms ranging from mild to none at all and are also being cared for in their rooms.
To minimise the risk of transmission, all residents in Kembla Cottage and Nebo Cottage are being encouraged to stay in their rooms. Staff are supporting these residents with their care needs, serving their meals, and offering activities to suit a range of interests.
We are continuing with our program of early detection and will test all residents in Kembla Cottage and Nebo Cottage again today via the PCR method. 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
