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Important information about IRT William Beach Gardens Aged Care Centre

8 September 2022

Dear family member/resident representative,

I am writing to let you know that three residents in Flinders East wing at your loved one’s aged care centre have tested positive to COVID-19.

The residents are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms such as a sore throat, cough and fever and are being encouraged to remain in their rooms along with all other residents in Flinders East as well as Flinders West (as some residents are regarded as close contacts).

We realise this can be challenging for some residents and where appropriate the Lifestyle team is providing one on one support and assisting with escorted walks. Meals are being served in resident rooms.

We have implemented our outbreak management plan including all necessary infection control protocols, in order to minimise the risk of the virus spreading within the care centre. This includes co-horting of staff to specific areas and a regime of precautionary COVID-19 testing via the PCR method to ensure we detect any other cases as early as possible.

Your loved one may also notice staff wearing additional PPE such as face shields and gowns.

All residents in Flinders East and West will be tested tomorrow via the PCR method where samples are sent off-site for laboratory analysis. Where a resident returns a positive result staff will let their nominated representative know by phone.

Visiting arrangements – Flinders East and West

While there is a high risk of COVID-19 transmission visiting residents in these wings is discouraged. If you do wish to visit the arrangements outlined below are now in place.

  • 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.
  • Be aware of the risks. 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. This is for your own protection and that of your loved one and all others living and working in the centre.

All other areas of the care centre

There are no changes to visiting in all other areas of the care centre.

Please note that the reduced isolation period from 7 days to 5 days, as publicly announced for the wider community last week, does not apply to people visiting an aged care centre. If you have had COVID-19 you must not enter an aged care centre until 10 days has passed from your diagnosis day, and you have no symptoms.

Further to the above please do not visit your loved one if you are experiencing any symptoms or are feeling unwell even if you have a negative COVID-19 test result. You may still have influenza or another virus 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

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