13 August 2021

Dear Resident or Family Member,

RE: Eased Visitor Restrictions – Calvary Flora McDonald & St Catherine’s Retirement Communities, South Australia

Effective 10 August 2021, the Emergency Management (Residential Aged Care Facilities No 39) (COVID-19) Direction 2021 has been revoked and replaced with Emergency Management (Residential Aged Care Facilities No 40) (COVID-19) Direction 2021.

What does this mean for residents and families?

Consistent with the latest SA Health advice, effective immediately, the below changes have been made:

• Visitation - As our homes have more than 70% of the residents with at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, there is no limit of care and support visits per day. We thank you all for allowing this to happen by becoming vaccinated. It is, however, strongly encouraged to limit the number to a maximum of two (2) visitors at any one time to ensure social distancing with a maximum of 1 person per 2 square metres.
• Resident outings can resume. Please ensure that the outing assessment form is completed and submitted to the Facility Manager prior to the outing.
• Staff and Visitors are required to wear a facemask at all times. Masks will be supplied for visitors if required.
• Group Activities can commence with social distancing at all times and maximum of 1 resident per 2 square metres at all times.

Consistent with previous advice: 

• Visitors must not enter a Calvary home if they:

1. have been to any close or casual contact locations or interstate places of high concern 
2. have COVID-19 symptoms including fever of 37.5°C or higher;
3. are a close contact of a person with confirmed COVID-19 and are within their self-isolation period;
4.  live in a household with a person who is currently self-isolating; or
5. are waiting for a COVID-19 test result.

• Social/physical distancing of a single person per 2 square metres and 1.5 metres separation must be observed at all times.
• Hand hygiene is important. Remember to please use the hand sanitiser stations at the entrance and throughout the facility regularly.
• Seasonal influenza vaccination is required for all persons over six (6) months prior to entry. Evidence will be required. If an exemption for this is required please speak with the manager.

We will continue to monitor the situation and SA Health advice and will ease restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so. For up-to-date information for all residents and family members, please visit Calvary’s COVID-19 updates site regularly at: www.calvarycoronavirusupdates.org.au 

Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation at this challenging time. By following the rules, you are helping us to keep everyone safe.

Sincerely,

Martin Bowles, National CEO

Sharon Kendall, Regional CEO SA