COVID-19 Update for Staff of Calvary The Homestead

Date: 2 February 2022

To: All Staff – Calvary The Homestead

From: Ryan Midgley, General Manager Aged Care

I am pleased to inform you that all resident COVID-19 PCR results taken yesterday 1/2/2022 have returned a negative result.

Calvary The Homestead remains closed for general visitation until the mandated 10 days from the most recent positive case is completed and the Public Health Unit declares the outbreak over. Visitation exceptions may apply for residents at end of life, or who may be experiencing distress, or where a special care and support role is provided. Please speak with the manager of your home if any residents or families raise concerns of this nature. 

What happens now?

All residents will continue to enjoy freedom outside of their rooms but within their wing until Friday February 4^th 2022 when, subject to discussions with the Public Health Unit, the lockdown will be stood down and the home re-opened for visitation. Further communication will be sent when the lockdown is lifted. 

OAK residents have now served their mandated daily Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) dates and from tomorrow will no longer require these unless symptomatic. 

ROSE residents are required to continue with the mandated daily Rapid Antigen Testing up to and including February 7^th 2022, however this will not impact visitation or outings from the home.

Specific visiting requirements will be sent to families, residents and staff as soon as possible.

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 trainingmeans 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 challenging 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 additionalsupport, 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

Sincerely,

Ryan Midgley 
General Manager Aged Care