13 February 2022

Dear Resident and Family Members,

COVID-19 Update for Residents and Families: Positive cases identified at Calvary The Mariner

I am writing to inform you that unfortunately one (1) resident has tested positive for COVID-19 at Calvary The Mariner. The resident resides in Basil wing and is currently isolating and receiving care in their room. As a result all other residents were tested and all returned a negative result and the resident’s family has been notified.

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.

What are we doing to keep resident’s safe?

The home’s updated COVID-19 Outbreak Management Plan (OMP) has been enacted and we have taken immediate action to contain transmission and keep residents and staff safe. We have:

• Physically separated the affected persons, including any close contacts;
• Notified and are working with the State and Commonwealth agencies;
• Continue our COVID-19 testing regime of residents and staff;
• Supplied full outbreak personal protective equipment (PPE - gloves, masks, face shields, gowns) to required areas.

In addition to these first actions, our care continuity plan ensures we have the clinical and non-clinical staff, as well as other support services necessary to meet the individual care needs of our residents during situations such as this.

Information for visitors during an outbreak

• It is anticipated that visitation to Calvary The Mariner 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.
• Consistent with Calvary’s Position Statement on Visiting in Aged Care one fully vaccinated visitor (Partner in Care), per resident, will be permitted entry to the home from 11.00am Thursday 17 February 2022 (day 4 of outbreak).
• 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 may 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 before Thursday 17 February 2022.

We kindly request that you limit your contact with the home due to the increased workload and while staff are focused on caring for the residents. Please contact the home manager if you would like to book a video call with your loved one. Clearly labelled care packages may be left with the home, and we will ensure your loved one receives them. 

Please be assured that our staff have prepared for situations such as these and are trained in strict infection control procedures. They continue to focus all of their attention on the individual care needs of residents. You can help us to ease anxiety by sharing this information with other family and friends.

Thank you for your continued understanding and patience at this time.

Sincerely,