05 April 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
Thank you so much for your ongoing support as we care for your loved one and continue to manage the risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
I am writing to: provide you with some information about changes to visiting arrangements; remind you about getting your COVID-19 booster and influenza vaccine; and to let you know we have published an updated version of our Outbreak Management Plan (OMP).
Visiting arrangements
From this Saturday 8 April the following will apply:
- all residents are permitted to have two fully vaccinated visitors aged 12 years and over, plus two children aged under 12 years per day.
- visitors aged 12 years and over must have received a second dose of a COVID-19 vaccination at least 14 days prior to their visit.
- All visitors must have a negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) prior to each visit. Visitors are asked to complete the test under observation at the care centre before entering. It would be appreciated if you could bring your own testing kit (in some circumstances we may provide you with a test kit if you are unable to procure one).
- All visitors (including children) are to wear a level 3 surgical mask – P2/N95 masks are no longer required.
Other details
As previously outlined, all visits are by appointment only. Appointments must be made by calling reception at the aged care centre between the hours of 10.30am- 2.30pm Monday to Friday.
All other details regarding visiting arrangements can be found here, which will be updated from 8 April.
As always, do not visit your loved one if you are experiencing any symptoms or are feeling unwell, even if the symptoms are mild or are awaiting a PCR result.
Vaccination
The Chief Health Officer strongly encourages all who visit an aged care centre to improve their COVID-19 defences with a booster.
By doing so you will not only improve your own immune response if you contract the virus, but you will also reduce the risk of you passing it on to your loved one or others when you visit them.
You are also strongly urged to get your flu shot when it becomes available. In past years, this has been mandated by government for anyone visiting an aged care centre and we are anticipating directions for this year to be issued soon.
Outbreak Management Plan
As you may be aware in the past 12 months we have managed a number of COVID-19 outbreaks in several of our aged care centres. On each occasion we have implemented our Outbreak Management Plan and updated it accordingly based on what we have learned from each experience.
The latest update, accompanied by its associated Stakeholder Communications Plan and the Outbreak Workforce Plan, can be viewed here. If you have any questions about it and how it will apply in practice should an outbreak occur at your loved one’s aged care centre please speak with your Care Manager.
Thank you again for your ongoing understanding and patience.
Yours sincerely,
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
