Important COVID-19 Staff Update: Positive cases identified at Calvary Noosa

Date: 21 January 2022

To: All Staff – Calvary Noosa

From:  Anne Marie Cassaniti, General Manager Aged Care

 am writing to inform you that two (2) residents at Calvary Noosa have tested positive for COVID-19 in the latest round of routine RAT testing. One resident resides in Hester unit and one resides in Roberts unit. All other tested staff and residents returned negative results.

The exposure in Hester unit has been deemed low risk by the Public Health Unit, therefore residents in Hester unit are not confined to their rooms. However, Roberts unit is deemed a higher risk, therefore as a precaution residents in Roberts unit must remain and be cared for in their rooms until further notice. Visitations are not permitted to Roberts unit at this time.

Discussions with the Public Health Unit continue and we will guided by their advice as to when it is safe to lift restrictions. We will update you on any changes as soon as information becomes available. Our staff have been in contact with the families of the COVID positive residents.

Except for Roberts unit, visitors are still permitted entry to the home subject to the below guidelines.

Information and guidelines for visitors

• In line with Calvary’s recent national visitor update of 29 December 2021, and due to the continuing heightened risk of infection, one nominated visitor only per resident will be permitted. This will be in place until further notice.
• Each family should nominate the visitor and notify the home manager. The visitor is strongly encouraged to have obtained a booster vaccine if they are eligible.
• Visitor entry to the home is between 9.00am and 5.00pm.
• We kindly ask that visitors limit their visit to one (1) hour.
• The visit must take place in the resident’s room.
• The nominated visitor is required to complete screening requirements prior to entry.
• Visitation exceptions may be made for residents receiving end of life care, or for compassionate visits. Please speak with the home manager.
• As a precaution to keeping residents safe, visitors will 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.
• We will continue routine testing of all residents, and to closely monitor all residents for symptoms of COVID-19. We will update you again if the situation changes.

Thank you for ensuring our residents have continued to receive the safest possible care over this time.