16 May 2022

Dear Resident and Family Members,

COVID-19 Update for Residents and Families at Calvary Oaklands

I am writing to inform you that unfortunately one (1) additional resident has tested positive for COVID-19 at Calvary Oaklands, bringing the total to four (4) residents and four (4) staff. The positive residents are currently isolating and receiving care in their room, and we have notified their families.

In accordance to Calvary’s Position Statement on Visiting in Aged Care, visitation to the home has recommenced today, however, specific requirements are in place to help keep our residents, their visitors and our staff as safe as possible. Please see below:

Information for visitors during an outbreak

• Calvary Oaklands will reopen to visitors on Monday 16 May 2022.
• One fully vaccinated visitor per resident, may visit to the home from 11.00am – 5.00pm daily, from 16 May 2022.
• All visitors will be supplied with the appropriate PPE (including face masks and shields as appropriate) to wear whilst visiting.
• We ask that you view this short video prior to visiting the home, which explains what to expect when you visit during an outbreak including how to don (put on) and doff (take off) PPE. Staff will be able to assist you as required.
• Visitors will be required to have a rapid antigen test (RAT test) before entering the home. This takes time, and we ask for your patience as we manage this important screening process.
• Visitation exceptions may be made for residents receiving end of life care, residents who may be experiencing distress, or where a special care and support role is provided. Please speak with the home manager to discuss arrangements.

In line with Public Health orders, there has been an updated interim guideline released over the weekend which details changes in regards to close contacts within residential aged care. Please see below:

Management of residents who are identified as close contacts

• Residents who are identified as a close contact should get an initial COVID-19 PCR test, immediately quarantine for 7 days whilst they are on the premises of the RACF and not participate in group activities with other residents.
• The resident may leave the RACF following a close contact exposure and must follow the general community requirements for close contacts when they are outside of the RACF.
• Residents who are close contacts may continue to receive visitors while they are in quarantine in the RACF.
• A PCR test is to be undertaken on day 6 after exposure.
• If the day 6 PCR test is negative, the resident(s) can exit their room but must remain confined to their usual area of residence within the RACF.
• Physical distancing must be maintained, and a mask worn at all times in shared spaces, if tolerated by the resident.
• Residents who are close contacts must have daily symptom checks between days 8 to 14 and have a PCR test immediately if symptoms develop.
• As a RACF is a high-risk setting, the resident(s) should get a PCR test on day 13 after exposure as an additional precautionary measure.

We will continue to liaise closely with Public Health Unit officials, who will make the decision about whether and when it is safe to remove the current visitation restrictions. We will keep you updated as information becomes available. We anticipate our next communication to you will be before the end of the week.

Please be assured that our staff have prepared for situations such as these and are trained in strict infection control procedures. They continue to focus all of their attention on the individual care needs of residents. You can help us to ease anxiety by sharing this information with other family and friends.

Thank you for your continued understanding and patience at this time.

Sincerely,                                                       

Ryan Midgley

General Manager Aged Care