Important information about IRT Woonona Aged Care Centre

8 November 2022

Dear family member/resident representative,

I am writing to let you know that a small number of residents at your loved one’s aged care centre have tested positive to Rhinovirus.

The residents live in the Peppertree unit of Flametree Ground Floor and are isolating within their unit with strict infection control protocols being followed in their care.

Other than experiencing some flu-like symptoms such as a mild cough, the residents are stable and we are monitoring them closely in consultation with their GPs.

We have already been in touch with the families of the affected residents by telephone and the NSW Public Health Unit has been notified.

Revised visiting arrangements

Peppertree unit

As Rhinovirus is highly contagious, we encourage you to reconsider any planned visits to this area of the care centre at this time. If you do wish to continue with your plans to visit, please be aware the following arrangements now apply:

• Residents are permitted 2 visitors only by appointment.
• Children under 12 years of age are not 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.
• 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.

All other areas of the care centre

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

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