13 March 2023
Dear family member/resident representative,
I’m writing to provide you with an update as we manage the risk of COVID-19 at your loved one’s care centre.
We have received the results of Friday’s PCR tests which have unfortunately confirmed more residents to have the virus. We also had some residents display symptoms of the virus over the weekend and they too have returned positive test results.
We now have a total of 13 residents with COVID-19 at our care centre. One resident lives in Ribbonwood 2, and 12 residents live in Ribbonwood 1.
Of these 13 residents, one (who lives in Ribbonwood 1) was transferred to Wollongong Public Hospital over the weekend where he is receiving further management and treatment of his symptoms.
All of our other residents with the virus are experiencing symptoms ranging from none at all to mild, including lethargy and a cough. We continue to monitor all residents closely in consultation with their GPs as we care for them in their rooms.
Our next round of PCR tests will be conducted today for residents in Ribbonwood 1 who have not already tested positive to the virus, as well as several residents in Ribbonwood 2 who have been identified as close contacts. All other residents do not have to be tested.
I will continue to provide you with updates like this one and let you know when we have received the results from the PCR tests. If your loved one 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
Rebecca Perry
Business Manager – Illawarra
