10 November 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
I am writing to provide you with an update as we manage the risk of Rhinovirus at your loved one’s aged care centre.
Since writing to you earlier this week, I’m pleased to advise that one resident has fully recovered and is now free of the virus.
Unfortunately, however, we’ve had a couple more residents test positive to Rhinovirus. Most of these residents live in the Peppertree unit of Flametree Ground Floor, one resident is from Ribbonwood Level 2, and one is from Flametree Level 2.
Pleasingly, majority of the residents are experiencing no symptoms, and a couple have a mild cough and sore throat. We continue to monitor all residents closely in consultation with their GPs.
I will provide another update early next week. If your loved one tests positive to Rhinovirus, a staff member will let you know by phone and will continue to provide you with updates regarding their progress.
Visiting arrangements
Peppertree unit
As Rhinovirus is 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 of the following arrangements:
- 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 Centre
