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Important information about IRT Woonona Aged Care Centre

8 March 2023

Dear family member/resident representative,

I’m writing to let you know that four residents at your loved one’s care centre have tested positive to COVID-19.

The residents live in Ribbonwood 1 and are experiencing mild symptoms including lethargy, congestion and a cough. Where appropriate, and in consultation with their GPs, residents have commenced anti-viral medication and we are monitoring them closely as we care for them in their rooms.

We are also monitoring two residents in Ribbonwood 2 who have been identified as close contacts. These residents have pleasingly returned negative COVID-19 test results and have no symptoms, but are isolating in their rooms as a precaution.

In response to this we have notified the local Public Health Unit, and to reduce the risk of transmission we have implemented a number of infection control protocols, including co-horting of staff to work in specific areas of the care centre.

Precautionary testing of residents has commenced, and the next round of PCR tests will be conducted on Friday 10 March. These tests will be for residents who have not already tested positive to the virus in Ribbonwood 1, as well as the two close contacts in Ribbonwood 2. All other residents do not have to be tested.

I will continue to provide you with updates like this one, but if your loved one is a resident of Ribbonwood 1 or Ribbonwood 2 and returns a positive test result, staff will let you know by phone and continue to update you on their progress.

Visiting arrangements

While there is a risk of COVID-19 within Ribbonwood 1 and Ribbonwood 2, no children under the age of 12 are permitted to visit these two areas of the care centre.

There are no other changes to the current visiting arrangements in place.

Please remember our visiting arrangements include the following:

  • 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 visitors are asked to wear all relevant PPE as directed by staff. 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.

Remember if you are experiencing any symptoms or are feeling unwell, even if the symptoms are mild, please do not visit. Even if you have a negative COVID-19 test result you may still have another type of infection 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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