Important information about Marco Polo Woonona Aged Care Centre

18 July 2025

Dear family member/resident representative,

The purpose of this message is to let you know that a several residents at your loved one’s aged care centre have tested positive for Rhinovirus. As well, we are managing a COVID-19 exposure. This means that someone at the aged care centre has been close to someone who has COVID -19, but they haven’t returned a positive COVID-19 test.

The residents who have Rhinovirus live in Elouera and Kemira are experiencing some mild respiratory symptoms, and we are monitoring them closely in their rooms in consultation with their GPs.

In response to these positive cases, and the COVID-19 exposure, we have implemented our outbreak management plan, which includes a range of infection control protocols to minimise the risk of either virus spreading within the care centre.

We have also implemented a routine testing regime to ensure we detect any other cases as soon as possible. If your loved one returns a positive result for either of these, we will let you know by phone and continue to provide you with regular updates regarding their progress.

Visiting arrangements

If you visit your loved one during this outbreak period, the following arrangements apply:

• All visitors to the care centre will be asked to wear a P2/N95 mask and a face shield at all times.

• All visitors to the care centre must provide proof of a negative rapid antigen test before entry, which has been completed within 72 hours of visiting. On arrival at the care centre visitors also need complete our wellness check-in, including a temperature check, answering COVID-screening questions, and completing a rapid antigen test if you have not completed one within the past 72 hours.

All PPE will be provided on entry. All other visiting arrangements continue to apply.

You can find more information about our visiting arrangements on our website here.

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
Operations Manager – Illawarra Aged Care Centres