26 June 2021

Dear Resident or Family Member,

RE: Updated Visitor Restrictions - Calvary Ryde Retirement Community

Since our previous communication, the COVID-19 situation in Metropolitan Sydney has developed further.

Given the heightened risk of community transmission in Sydney, Calvary Ryde Retirement Community will be closed to visitors effective from 6pm tonight until midnight, 2 July 2021. We will review this restriction in line with any future changes to NSW Health directives.  

While we understand the disappointment this will cause residents and their families, we have decided to act quickly to ensure the safety of the vulnerable people in our care.

What does this mean for residents and families?

Effective immediately, and until further notice, the following new restrictions will apply:

• Visitors are currently not permitted entry. Due to the heightened risk of infection, and consistent with the latest government directives, general visitation has been suspended until further notice.
• Special exceptions to visitation rules. Visitation exceptions may apply for residents at end of life, or who may be experiencing distress, or where a special care and support role is provided. Please speak with the manager of your home to discuss arrangements.
• Resident social outings will not be permitted. All other outing requests will need to first be discussed with and approved by the Facility Manager. Each request will be risk assessed in line with the latest NSW Health guidelines. Excursions for necessary medical treatment will continue to be permitted as usual.
• Calvary WebEx video call service is in place for residents to stay connected with family. We are aware that this decision may be unsettling for residents and families. We encourage families to contact the facility and book a time for WebEx video calls to minimise the effects of social isolation.
• Our staff will be wearing face masks. Consistent with the latest NSW Health advice, our staff and any visiting GP will be required to wear a surgical face mask at all times. Any visitor who is permitted entry as a special exception will be required to wear a face mask at all times. 

The situation in Sydney will continue to evolve over the coming days. For the latest information on identified NSW Health COVID-19 case locations, please visit the NSW Government website.

We will continue to monitor NSW Health advice, keep you informed of any changes, and ease restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so.  

Please don’t hesitate to contact the manager of your home should you have any questions or would like to discuss the individual care needs of your loved one.

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

Sincerely,    

Martin Bowles, National CEO

Bryan McLoughlin, Regional CEO - NSW