Dear Resident and Family Members,

RE: COVID-19 UPDATE – A further update for residents & families of Calvary St Joseph’s Retirement Community

Further to our update this morning, unfortunately, at the time of writing, we are still awaiting the bulk of  results from the second round of resident testing carried out yesterday. Due to the high level of community testing, we are unable to guarantee a timeframe for receiving the results.

We know that this news, coming on Christmas Eve, will be disappointing and difficult for residents and their loved ones.

We are continuing to liaise with Hunter New England Public Health Unit officials, who will make the decision about whether and when it is safe to re-open Calvary St Joseph’s or lift the current restrictions on residents’ movement. We will update you as soon as any information is available.

In the meantime, our residents continue to be cared for in their rooms and Calvary St Joseph’s will need to remain in lockdown until it is deemed safe by the Hunter New England Public Health Unit to open up again.

• While no general visitation is allowed at this time, please do not hesitate to contact the home if you wish to book a video call with your loved one via our WebEx video call service.

• Exemptions will be made for special visits for residents receiving end of life care. Please talk with care staff to make specific arrangements.

• For more information and regular situation updates, please visit http://www.calvarycoronavirusupdates.org.au/  

Thank you for your continued understanding at this challenging time.

Sincerely,                                                                                           

Martin Bowles        National CEO      

Bryan McLoughlin  Regional CEO – NSW & QLD