Dear Resident and Family Members,

COVID-19 Update for Residents and Families: Positive case identified at Calvary Albury & Districts

I am writing to inform you that unfortunately one (1) resident has tested positive for COVID-19 at Calvary Albury & Districts. The resident resides in Noreuil wing and is currently isolating and receiving care in their room.

Several other residents considered close contacts are also isolating in their rooms. Families of the affected residents have been notified. Other residents within Noreuil are free to move about the wing.

In line with Public Health Unit advice, Noreuil wing will be closed to visitors for the next three (3) days. Exceptions will be made for residents receiving end of life care and can be arranged through the home manager.

All Noreuil residents are being tested today and we will inform you of the results once we receive them.

Residents outside Noreuil wing are free to move around the facility and accept visitors, however, visitation precautions are now in place to keep residents, staff and visitors as safe as possible. Please see below:

Information for visitors

• Visiting hours are between 11.00am – 6.00pm, with last entry to the home permitted at 5.00pm. This is to ensure all screening processes can be completed with our day staff.
• We kindly ask that you book your visit with us for now. Please call (02) 6057 1500 between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm to make a booking.
• There is no limit to the number of visitors allowed per resident, per day.
• Visitors will be required to complete screening requirements prior to entry and wear appropriate PPE (including face mask and shield) whilst visiting. PPE is provided by Calvary.
• 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.
• If you have any questions please speak with the home manager.

Arrangements for Noreuil Wing

It is anticipated that visitation to Noreuil wing of Calvary Albury & Districts 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.

When it re-opens from Friday, 4 March, visitation will be in line with Calvary’s Position Statement on Visiting in Aged Care:

• One fully vaccinated visitor (Partner in Care), per resident, per day will be permitted entry to Noreuil wing.
• All visitors will be supplied with the appropriate PPE (including face masks and shields as appropriate) to wear whilst visiting. Staff 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 visitation restrictions. We will keep you updated as information becomes available. We anticipate our next communication to you will be later this week.

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

Thank you for your continued understanding and patience at this time

Sincerely,                           

Amanda Bennett,

General Manager Aged Care