27 March 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 Huntley Cottage and Kembla Cottage are experiencing symptoms ranging from none at all to moderate, such as a fever, as we care for them in their rooms.
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, we carried out PCR tests over the weekend for all residents in both cottages who hadn’t already tested positive to COVID-19, and pleasingly all results were negative.
To further minimise the risk, all residents in these two cottages have been encouraged 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 and Huntley Cottage who haven’t already tested positive to the virus will be tested again today via the Rapid Antigen Testing method.
I will continue to provide you with updates like this one, but 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 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:
- All visitors must wear a P2/N95 mask and face shield (provided by the care centre) when visiting. This applies to ALL areas of the care centre – not just the two affected cottages.
- No children under the age of 12 are permitted to visit.
- 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 other visiting arrangements can be found on our website here.
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
Rebecca Perry
Operations Manager – Illawarra Aged Care Centres
