Dear Resident and Family Members,

RE: COVID-19 exposure update for residents and Families at Calvary St Joseph’s Retirement Community

We are pleased to let you know that yesterday’s testing has revealed no additional cases of COVID-19 amongst residents or staff at Calvary St Joseph’s Retirement Community.

As well as testing of residents in the St Catherine’s and Max Kolby households where the exposure occurred, we have taken the additional precaution of testing all residents of St Joseph’s who were willing and able to participate. At the time of writing, all of the returned resident results have been negative. A small number of results are yet to be returned and we are expecting those later today. Another round of tests will be conducted tomorrow.

Identified staff contacts who worked in the St Catherine’s and Max Kolby households during the exposure period have also returned negative results.

Residents are well and continue to be cared for in their rooms. Our staff continue to closely monitor all residents for any symptoms of COVID-19.

Calvary is working closely with local NSW Health Public Health Unit officials to determine when we will be able to allow residents to leave their rooms and enjoy more freedom of movement. We hope to be able to share an update with residents and families about this soon.

Is Calvary St Joseph’s still in lockdown?

Our first priority and focus at this challenging time is residents’ safety, health and wellbeing. While we are pleased that the testing has returned negative results, Calvary St Joseph’s will need to remain in lockdown until it is deemed safe by NSW Health Public Health Unit to open up to visitors again.

If you wish to drop off gifts or care packages for residents in the lead up Christmas, a Calvary staff member will be available outside the front doors to receive them between 9am and 5pm tomorrow and on Friday. Please press the front doorbell if it is outside those hours.

While no general visitation is allowed at this time, residents and their loved ones can stay connected by making phone calls, sending letters, cards or text messages, or by using our WebEx video call service. Please do not hesitate to contact the home if you wish to book a video call with your loved one or have any concerns.

Exemptions will be made for special visits for residents receiving end of life care. Please talk with care staff to make specific arrangements.

We know that this is a very difficult time for residents and families. We will continue to keep residents informed and to contact each resident’s listed person responsible by phone and email an update with any developments.

Where can I get more information?

For more information and regular situation updates, please visit www.calvarycoronavirusupdates.org.au 

We are committed to ensuring that you are provided with the information you want – quickly and regularly. You can help us to ease anxiety by sharing this information with other family and friends.

Thank you for your continued understanding at this challenging time.

Sincerely,                                                                                           

Martin Bowles        National CEO      

Bryan McLoughlin  Regional CEO – NSW & QLD