17 September 2021

Dear Resident or Family Member,

RE: Updated Visitor Restrictions - Calvary Muswellbrook and Calvary Cooinda Retirement Communities  

The COVID-19 situation in regions within NSW continues to improve. Accordingly, NSW Health has advised that limitations on visitor numbers and duration of visits be eased, subject to remaining social distancing requirements. Consistent with this latest advice we will now align restrictions on visitation.

What does this mean for residents and families?

Calvary is pleased to introduce the following eased restrictions on visitation at Calvary Muswellbrook and Calvary Cooinda Retirement Communities from today, 17 September 2021:   

• Any two designated (2) visitors may visit per day, but only one (1) single visitor at any one time -  Visits will be limited to resident rooms and visitors must comply with the social distancing requirements of 1.5 metres separation and one (1) person per two (2) square metres.
• Visitors will be required to wear a surgical mask, Calvary will supply a suitable mask if required.
• Visiting hours remain from 11am to 6pm each day until further notice.  Exceptions may apply for visitors of residents at end of life, or who may be experiencing distress, or where a care and support role is provided by a visitor. Please speak with the manager of your home to discuss arrangements.
• Visitors must be able to provide proof of their influenza vaccination when visiting the facility.
• COVID-19 Vaccination – We strongly encourage that visitors are vaccinated for COVID-19.

Visitors must not enter the facility at all if they:

• have been in a stay at home area in the last 14 days prior to their visit, please note that this will include Cessnock and Maitland LGAs;
• have COVID-19 symptoms - fever (37.5°C or higher) or symptoms of COVID-19;
• have been to any close or casual contact locations in NSW, interstate or New Zealand;
• are a close contact of a person with confirmed COVID-19 and are within their self-isolation period;
• live in a household with a person who is currently self-isolating; and/or
• are waiting for a COVID-19 test result.

We understand that restrictions on visitation have been difficult for many residents and their loved ones and are pleased to be able to ease restrictions in line with NSW Health advice.

As the situation evolves, NSW Health may advise changes to restrictions and we will adjust our restrictions accordingly. For the latest NSW Health COVID-19 updates, please visit:  www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/default.aspx

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.

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

If you are unable to visit at this time, we remind and encourage you to contact the facility to arrange a WebEx video call with your loved one.

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

Sincerely,