Important Staff Update: Positive COVID-19 cases identified at Calvary St Joseph’s

Date:   05 April 2022

To:       All staff at Calvary St Joseph's Retirement Community

From:  Sandeep Kandel, General Manager Aged Care

I am writing to inform you that unfortunately a second resident has tested positive to COVID-19 at Calvary St Joseph’s, bringing the total to two (2) residents and two (2) staff. One resident resides in Max Kolby House and the other in St. Vincent Unit, and they are both isolating and receiving care in their rooms.

In line with Public Health Unit advice, this now meets the criteria for an outbreak and as a result some precautions will now apply to Max Kolby House and St. Vincent Unit. These residents must stay in their rooms and visitation restrictions are now in place to keep residents, staff and visitors as safe as possible. There is no change to visitation to the rest of the home however screening processes are in place. Please see below:

Information for visitors during an outbreak

• With the exception of Max Kolby House and St. Vincent Unit, there is no limit to the amount of visitors allowed per resident, per day.
• Visitation hours are between 11.00am and 6.00pm, with last entry to the home at 4.30pm.
• Visitors will be required to complete screening requirements prior to entry and wear appropriate PPE (including surgical 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. 
• 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.

Visitation to Max Kolby House and St. Vincent Unit

• In addition to the above requirements, visitation to Max Kolby House and St. Vincent Unit has the extra precaution of one (1) visitor (Partner in Care) allowed per resident, per day, consistent with Calvary’s Position Statement on Visiting in Aged Care.

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 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.