IMPORTANT: COVID-19 Update – Calvary St Joseph's outbreak declared over 

Date: 17 January 2022

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

From:  Bryan McLoughlin, Regional CEO - NSW/QLD

I am very pleased to let you know that the latest round of testing at Calvary St Joseph’s has revealed no additional cases of COVID-19 amongst residents or staff. In line with advice from the Hunter New England Public Health Unit, the outbreak at Calvary St Joseph’s has been declared over.

Current restrictions at the home can be lifted, residents of all households are able to move freely within the home effective immediately, and we will re-open to visitors from tomorrow, subject to the below guidelines.

Changes to visitation and testing 

• Calvary St Joseph’s will re-open to visitors from Tuesday, 18 January 2022.
• In line with Calvary’s recent visitor update of 29 December 2021, and due to the continuing heightened risk of infection, one single nominated visitor only will be permitted per resident. This will be in place until further notice. Each family has been asked to nominate the visitor and notify the home manager of who this person is. The visitor is strongly encouraged to have obtained a booster vaccine if they are eligible.
• Opening hours are 11am – 2pm and from 3pm – 6pm.
• The home is closed to incoming visitors between 2pm – 3pm. This is to enable efficient surveillance testing of staff as they are coming on duty for the afternoon shift.
• All nominated visitors will need to undertake a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) before entering the home. This will be conducted on site and may delay visitors’ entry into the home, so we are asking for their patience as we move through this important screening process. All visitors will need to arrive by 4.30pm to have their screening tests.
• 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. These arrangements are to be made through the home manager.
• At present, resident outings are limited to medical appointments only.
• As a precaution, we need to continue to closely monitor all residents for symptoms of COVID-19.

Thank you for all that you have done to ensure our residents continued to receive the safest possible care, with such empathy and compassion during this very challenging time.

Regards,

Bryan McLoughlin

Regional CEO - NSW & QLD