Dear Resident Family Member,

RE: COVID-19 Outbreak Update for Residents and Families: Calvary Haydon Retirement Community

We are writing to inform residents and families that as of the time of writing an additional one (1) resident in the Mary Potter household has returned a positive COVID-19 test. This information has been identified since our calls to resident families and for this we sincerely apologise.

Further, we must inform residents and families of some additional sad news. Yesterday evening one (1) COVID-positive resident of the Mary Potter household has died. The resident tested positive for COVID-19 on 23 September and was accompanied by our dedicated staff who provided compassionate end of life care. 

This news marks the third death of a resident diagnosed with COVID-19 at the Calvary Haydon aged care home and we know this will cause sadness and loss for the family, our residents, resident families and staff.

We offer our sincere condolences to the family on behalf of the Calvary family, and ask that you please respect their privacy at this time.

As of the time of writing, Calvary can confirm the current total active cases are:

• Eleven (11) residents (all residing in the Mary Potter household); and
• Four (4) members of staff (all self-isolating at home).

Calvary continues to work closely with the ACT Public Health Unit on contact tracing, the testing of residents and staff including the maintaining of the safest possible care environment for residents and staff under outbreak conditions.

We have been advised by ACT PHU that testing will now occur every 48 hours for all residents with the exception of those close contacts in Mary Potter who will have daily testing.

We know that this continues to be a very difficult time for residents and families. We will continue to contact the listed person responsible for each resident by phone on a daily basis and email an update with any developments. You can help us to ease anxiety by please sharing this information with other family and friends.

For more information, including regular Situation Updates and a suite of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers, please continue to visit www.calvarycoronavirusupdates.org.au

As the situation evolves at Calvary Haydon, please be assured that our dedicated staff are working hard to keep all residents safe from infection. All staff at the facility continue to provide care while wearing the required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.

Thank you for your continued patience at this challenging time. We are grateful that families are working with us so generously to ensure the safety of your loved ones in our care.

Thank you for your patience at this challenging time.

Martin Bowles, National CEO

Barb Reid, Regional CEO - ACT