Dear Resident Family Member,

Some restrictions eased at Calvary Cessnock

We are pleased to advise that in consultation with the Hunter New England Public Health Unit, we have been able to ease restrictions on residents of four (4 )of the six (6) Nulkaba households.

These are Kalingo, Rothbury, Elrington and Neath, and follows recent negative test results for residents of these four households.

What does this mean for residents of these households?

Residents can now leave their room and dine and conduct activities communally in a COVID-safe manner. However, residents must remain within their own household and cannot yet visit other households.

Staff will continue to wear N95 masks and shields, and will continue to monitor all residents for any symptoms of COVID-19.

Hebburn and Paxton households

Unfortunately, restrictions remain in place for two of our Nulkaba households – Hebburn and Paxton – where positive tests for two residents were returned over the weekend.

These residents will need to remain being cared for in their rooms with staff wearing full PPE.

Next steps

Although restrictions on these residents’ movement have been lifted, all of the Nulkaba households at Calvary Cessnock will remain closed for general visitation until the public health unit deems it safe to reopen. Exceptions can be made for residents receiving end of life care, or who may be experiencing distress, or where a special care and support role is provided. Please speak with the manager of your home to discuss arrangements.

We are continuing to liaise with the public health unit and will update you again as soon as any information becomes available. Our next update to residents and families will be on Wednesday, 19 January, unless there are any changes to be communicated before then.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding during this challenging time.

Sincerely,

Bryan McLoughlin, Regional CEO – NSW & QLD