Dear Resident and Family Members,

RE: COVID-19 UPDATE – Calvary St Joseph’s Retirement Community

We have received half the results back from the third round of testing of St Joseph’s residents and we are pleased to confirm that these results are all negative. However, with the continuing high demand for community testing, we are unable to confirm a timeframe for receiving the remainder of results.

In addition, we have been advised that two (2) staff have returned positive PCR COVID-19 tests, and we believe this has occurred through community transmission. This brings the total number of confirmed positive cases at St Joseph’s to four (4) members of staff who are all self-isolating at home.

We are continuing to liaise closely 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 again as soon as further information is available.

In the meantime, Calvary St Joseph’s remains closed for general visitation. Exemptions will be made for special visits for residents receiving end of life care, so please talk with our home manager to make specific arrangements.

The residents are well and continue to be cared for in their rooms and our staff are closely monitoring all residents for any symptoms of COVID-19.

We understand that residents have had to remain in their rooms for some time now and, while this is to ensure minimal risk of infection, we know that this is difficult for our residents and their families. We continue to maintain our Webex video call service to facilitate contact between residents and families, please do not hesitate to contact care staff if you wish to book this service.

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

Thank you again for your continued patience at this challenging time.

Sincerely,                   

Bryan McLoughlin  Regional CEO – NSW & QLD