Dear Resident and Family Members,

COVID-19 Update for Residents and Families: Positive cases identified at Calvary St Joseph’s

I am writing to inform you that unfortunately a further nine (9) residents and two (2) staff have tested positive to COVID-19 since our last communication to you, bringing the total number of positive cases to eleven (11) residents and four (4) staff. Three (3) residents reside in Max Kolby House and eight (8) reside in St. Vincent Unit, and all positive residents are in isolation and receiving care in their rooms.

Our testing regime continues in line with Public Health Unit advice on Monday 11 April, and we will inform you of the results once we receive them.

In the meantime, visitation to the home is allowed with certain precautions in place to keep our residents, their visitors and our staff as safe as possible. 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. This is to ensure all screening processes can be completed with our day staff.
• 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. Staff will assist you as needed.
• 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.
• 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.

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 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 early next week.

Thank you for your continued understanding and patience at this time. You can help us to ease anxiety by sharing this information with other family and friends.

Sincerely,                           

Sandeep Kandel,

General Manager Aged Care