10 May 2023
Thank you for your ongoing support and co-operation when visiting your loved one.
It doesn’t seem long since I wrote to you letting you know about our decision to remove the requirement for visitors to wear a mask when in our aged care centres.
We made the decision, balancing the risk of COVID-19 at the time with our other detection measures including rapid antigen testing and the wellness check-in process.
You might recall that I did indicate the decision could change should there become an increased risk of infection transmission (especially during influenza season) in the community.
And, so it is, that we now find ourselves in a period of heightened risk with many of our aged care centres currently managing multiple cases of COVID-19, RSV or rhinovirus.
It is the flu season after all, and it is well-established that viruses like COVID-19 and influenza can have a deadly impact on our vulnerable residents. For this reason we must do all we can to reduce the risk and as an additional protective measure we have once again implemented the requirement for all visitors who enter our aged care centres to wear a surgical mask.
I have been impressed by the willingness of our visitors to support us with this in the past, and the understanding of its importance.
I know I can count on you to assist staff by donning a surgical mask and wearing it at all times when you are visiting your loved one in their care centre. This includes the hallways, common areas, and your loved one’s room.
This requirement will remain in place until further notice.
As always, the masks will be provided at the entrance. Please ensure you also complete your rapid antigen test before you visit, and answer our questions truthfully in our wellness check-in process.
When a care centre is operating in outbreak conditions, all visitors will be asked to wear additional PPE including a different type of mask; a closer fitting P2/N95 mask, and face shield.
Influenza vaccination – reminder
Thanks for your support in getting your flu shot. If you haven’t had it yet, you are kindly reminded that all visitors over the age of 6 months must now provide proof of their 2023 flu vaccination.
With Mothers’ Day this upcoming weekend, please ensure you pass this information on to others as you consider appropriate. Without proof of a 2023 flu vaccination entry to our aged care centres is not permitted.
For all other information about visiting your loved one please see our website here.
If you have any questions about our mask-wearing, or any other details in this message please speak with your Care Manager.
Thank you once again for your continued support.
Yours sincerely
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
