COVID-19 Update for Staff of Calvary The Homestead

Date: 3 February 2022

To: All Staff – Calvary The Homestead

From: Ryan Midgley, General Manager Aged Care

Further to our recent update, we are pleased to inform residents and families that all tested Calvary The Homestead residents have now received negative results from the latest round of testing.

This means we now are able to introduce limited visitation, subject to the following guidelines:

• (1) single visitor per day – the visitor may vary each day so different family members may attend on different days
• The visiting hours are 9am – 4pm with no limitation on the duration of the visit
• All visitors will be asked to undergo Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) testing and produce a negative result, prior to being permitted entry
• Each visitor will be provided with an N95 mask and Face shield. We ask that visitors keep their face mask and shield on at all times, including in the resident’s room.
• Visits may be in the resident’s room or outside only – to maintain our strict infection controls, please ensure visitors do not use any of the indoor communal spaces

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.

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 training means 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 additional support, 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 SA