23 June 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
I am writing to let you know that we have a small group of residents who are experiencing symptoms of various respiratory illnesses at your loved one’s aged care centre and in response we have implemented our outbreak management plan.
Yesterday a resident in Grevillea wing unfortunately tested positive to COVID-19. The resident is experiencing mild symptoms and is being monitored closely by our staff in their room.
In addition to this, we have identified another three residents with either Influenza or Rhinovirus in this wing. Testing is current underway to confirm which virus is present in these residents, however they are stable and managing mild symptoms.
For the utmost caution and to ensure we detect any cases early, all residents in Grevillea wing are being encouraged to remain in their rooms while we conduct PCR testing on residents in this wing. Yesterday all residents in this area of the aged care centre were PCR tested and results for these tests can take up to 24 hours. I will let you know the results when we receive them, but if your loved one is diagnosed following a positive result you will be contacted directly by care centre staff.
These residents will also be PCR tested again tomorrow.
While the centre is operating according to our outbreak management plan with many extra precautions in place staff continue to manage the many day to day needs of an aged care centre. Our lifestyle team will distribute activity packs to the residents encouraged to remain in their rooms and will be assisting residents where required with phone or video calls to their family and friends.
Visiting arrangements
As I indicated to you in a previous update about visiting your loved one, with the care centre now managing an outbreak, different arrangements are now in place.
With the risk of COVID-19 being managed at the centre you are encouraged to postpone your visit but if you do continue with your plans to visit the arrangements below now apply. Please assist the care centre by complying with the following:
- Children under 12 years of age are not permitted to visit the affected area of the care centre.
- Residents are permitted 2 visitors only by appointment.
- All visitors are asked to show proof of a negative rapid antigen test and 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
