16 February 2022

Dear Resident and Family Members,

Update for Residents and Families of Calvary Cessnock: COVID-19 outbreak declared over

I am very pleased to inform you that in line with Public Health Unit advice and with no additional cases of COVID-19 detected amongst residents in any of our households, the outbreak at Calvary Cessnock has now been declared over.

The final restrictions on residents’ movement across the site are being lifted and we look forward to Calvary Cessnock fully opening up again tomorrow, Thursday, 17 February. 

Visitation will be in line with Calvary’s Position Statement  on Visiting in Aged Care and there are specific requirements in place for Calvary Cessnock to help keep our residents, their visitors and our staff as safe as possible:

Updated information for visitors                                                 

• From tomorrow, there will be no limit to the number of visitors allowed per resident, per day.
• However, social distancing is still required and we ask visitors keep to a maximum of two (2) visitors per resident at any one time, and that visitation occurs in the resident’s room or outside. Please do not use communal areas for visiting purposes.  
• Visitors will be required to complete screening requirements prior to entry and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) whilst visiting. Calvary will provide you with the necessary PPE.
• All visitors will need to undertake a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) before entering. This takes time, and we ask for your patience as we manage this important screening process. Please stop in at the main administration building where staff will be on hand to administer the test.
• All visits must be booked in advance. Please contact 4993 9000 during regular business hours to make your booking.
• There are two (2) periods for arriving visitors – 11am to 2pm; and from 3.15pm to 5pm. The set time periods relate to visitors’ arrival on site. Once inside, visitors may stay longer.
• No visitor bookings and RATs will be available between 2.00pm and 3.15pm. This is to allow screening staff the time needed to test the large volume of staff arriving on site for afternoon shift.
• We understand that there may sometimes need to be exceptions. If so, please make prior arrangements with the home manager – contact 4993 9000 during business hours.
• Visitation exceptions may also 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.

Our staff will continue to closely monitor all residents for symptoms of COVID-19.

We are very grateful to our residents and families for your continued support and understanding during this challenging time, and very much look forward to receiving more visitors back into the home. You can help us by sharing this information with your family and friends.

Sincerely,