9 February 2022

Dear Resident and Family Members,

COVID-19 Update for Residents and Families: Positive cases identified at Calvary Riverside Views

I am writing to inform you that unfortunately one resident in the Valley household wing and one staff member have tested positive for COVID-19 at Calvary Riverside Views. Staff are in direct contact with the resident’s family.

No further cases have been identified in testing conducted today. 

We understand that this may be worrying for you and your loved one in our care. We want to assure you that we aredoing everything possible to continue to look after the health and wellbeing of all our residents while keeping them safe during this difficult time.

What are we doing to keep resident’s safe?

The home’s updated COVID-19 Outbreak Management Plan (OMP) has been enacted and we have taken immediateaction to contain transmission and keep residents and staff safe. We have: 

• Physically separated the affected persons, including any close contacts;
• Notified and are working with the State and Commonwealth agencies;
• Continue our COVID-19 testing regime of residents and staff;
• Supplied full outbreak personal protective equipment (PPE) – gloves, masks, face shields, gowns) – to the required areas.

In addition to these first actions, our care continuity plan ensures we have the clinical and non-clinical staff, as well as other support services necessary to meet the individual care needs of our residents during situations such as this.

Information for visitors during an outbreak 

• It is anticipated that Calvary Riverside Views will be closed to visitors for the next three (3) days to enable the home to ensure all safety measures are in place for residents, visitors and staff.
• Consistent with Calvary’s Position Statement on Visiting in Aged Care, one fully vaccinated visitor (Partner in Care) per resident will be permitted entry to the home from Monday, 14 February, between the hours of 11am and 5pm. 
• All visitors will be supplied with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to wear whilst visiting, including face masks and shields as appropriate. Staff will assist you with donning (putting on) and doffing (removing) PPE correctly.
• We ask that you review the following video which explains how to don and doff PPE.  Staff will be able to support you if this is required when visiting. https://www.health.gov.au/resources/videos/donning-and-doffing-personal-protective-equipment-in-residential-aged-care
• 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.

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 restrictions. We will keep you updated as information becomes available. 

The next scheduled testing date for residents is Friday, 11 February and we will provide an update afterwards.

We kindly request that you limit your contact with the home due to the increased workload and while staff are focused on caring for the residents. Please contact the home manager if you would like to book a video call with your loved one. Clearly labelled care packages may be left with the home, and we will ensure your loved one receives them.  

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,

Sherryn McMahon
General Manager Aged Care