Important Staff Update: Positive COVID-19 cases identified at Calvary The Brelsford

Date:   25 March 2022

To:       All Staff – Calvary The Brelsford

From:  Cassandra Schwartz, General Manager Aged Care

I am writing to inform you that unfortunately a second resident has tested positive to COVID-19, bringing the total to two (2) positive cases. The second resident also resides in Pearl wing and is isolating and receiving care in their room. As a result, this now meets the criteria for an outbreak and precautions will be put in place to ensure the safety of our residents and staff.

In line with Public Health Unit advice, Pearl wing is closed to visitors effective immediately.

Visitation to the rest of the home is allowed, however visitation restrictions remain in place to keep out residents, their visitors and our staff as safe as possible. Please see below:

Information for visitors during an outbreak

• Pearl wing will be closed for the next three (3) days to enable the home to ensure all safety measures are in place for residents, visitors and staff. Visitation to Pearl wing will recommence from 10.00am 28 March 2022 (day 4 of outbreak).
• Visitation to the rest of the home will be consistent with Calvary’s Position Statement on Visiting in Aged Care, which permits one fully vaccinated visitor (Partner in Care), per resident entry to the home.
• Our visiting hours are 10.00am – 4.00pm, daily, with last entry to the home at 3.30pm.
• We ask that all visitors book their visit with us for now. To make a booking, visitors must email coffs@japara.com.au and provide their requested time and date, name of the resident/room number, their name and proof of their COVID vaccination.
• All visitors will be supplied with the appropriate PPE (including face masks and shields as appropriate) to wear whilst visiting.
• Visitors will be required to have a rapid antigen test (RAT test) before entering the home.
• 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.

We need you to continue to work

You are safe to continue to provide resident care because you are trained and prepared for situations such as this. Your training means you will know how to provide resident care safely by following our strict infection prevention and control procedures, including the correct use of PPE.

For staff that work across multiple sites we would like you to continue to work at Calvary. To support you to do this Calvary will commit to giving you equivalent shifts to ensure that your hours from both Calvary and the alternate employer are maintained at a minimum.

What do I need to remember?

Our first priority and focus is the safety, health and wellbeing of the people in our care, including you, our employees, at this time. You will be kept informed by your Manager as the situation develops.

• Notify your Manager immediately if you have been notified that you are a close contact of a positive case, are showing symptoms of COVID-19, or are in any way unwell.
• Wear PPE as advised. If you have any questions, please speak with your Manager.
• Follow the COVID-19 media protocol. If you are contacted by a journalist, do not answer questions. Simply record the journalist’s name, media agency and contact details and notify the Manager.
• If you are experiencing any form of distress or anxiety, please speak to your Manager. If you find you require additional support, please reach out to our Employee Assistance Provider (EAP).

Thank you for all that you are doing to ensure our residents continue to receive the safest possible care with empathy and compassion in this challenging time.