The COVID-19 situation across our Aged Care homes remains stable, with a limited number of COVID-19 exposures over the past week. The impact of these exposures continues to be low, due to our ongoing infection control practices and preventative measures. On this front, we would like to acknowledge the ongoing efforts of our teams who are going above and beyond to keep COVID-19 out of our homes.

The latest SA Health data shows us there is still considerable COVID-19 transmission in our community, with more than 1,600 cases recorded on 16 February 2022. Due to the ongoing presence of COVID-19, we expect our homes will continue to be impacted by regular, but minimal, exposures and COVID-19 will become an increasingly ‘normal’ part of our operations.

Due to the current stabilised situation, we will be putting a hold on our weekly COVID-19 updates and will recommence this communication if the situation changes at any of our homes. We will also remain in direct contact with family members of residents who have been impacted by a Close Contact exposure.

PHASE 2 PREVENTION PLAN VISITOR RESTRICTIONS

Our Phase 2 Prevention Plan visitor restrictions will remain in place for the time being to support us in keeping COVID-19 out of our homes, limiting the impact of exposures and reducing the likelihood of future outbreaks. Our restrictions include:

  • A limit of one visitor per day, with a single visit of up to one hour. All visits must:
    • Be pre-booked via phone or email between 8.30am and 4pm weekdays (contact details can be found at https://unitingsa.com.au/contact)
    • Take place between 10am and 4pm daily, or 6pm to 8pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays
    • Occur in the resident’s room

We will continue to review the requirement for our Phase 2 visitor restrictions in line with the latest public health advice and COVID-19 case numbers.

ADVICE FOR OVERSEAS TRAVELLERS

As Australia’s international borders re-open, we would like to remind loved ones that overseas travellers are not permitted to enter a Residential Aged Care facility for seven days after arrival. This requirement is set out in the State Government’s Emergency Management (Residential Aged Care Facilities No 47) (COVID-19) Direction. For more information visit COVID-19 Directions.

BOOSTER VACCINATIONS – HELP US SPREAD THE WORD

We would like to encourage you to inform your broader network of family and friends of booster vaccination requirements for Aged Care visitors. As our communication updates have been issued to primary and secondary Next of Kin only, some family and friends may be unaware of this requirement.

As per previous communication, to enter a South Australian Residential Aged Care facility, a person must:

  • receive a booster (or third dose) of a TGA approved COVID-19 vaccine within four weeks of becoming eligible; and,
  • provide the operator of the Residential Aged Care facility with proof of their booster vaccination status (including a booking) upon request.

This requirement is outlined in the State Government’s Emergency Management (Residential Aged Care Facilities No 46) (COVID-19) Direction. We appreciate your assistance in spreading the word.

COVID-19 SITUATION UPDATES FOR ALL UNITINGSA SITES

HAWKSBURY GARDENS AGED CARE
The Hawksbury Gardens situation remains unchanged, as per our previous update.
Site status: Phase 2 Prevention Plan enacted, with the site remaining open to visitors in a restricted capacity.
Latest cases/exposures: Nil
Testing: Nil

REGENCY GREEN AGED CARE
The Regency Green situation remains unchanged, as per our previous update.
Site status: Phase 2 Prevention Plan enacted, with the site remaining open to visitors in a restricted capacity.
Latest cases/exposures: Nil
Testing: Nil

SEATON AGED CARE
The Seaton Aged Care situation remains unchanged, as per our previous update.
Site status: Phase 2 Prevention Plan enacted, with the site remaining open to visitors in a restricted capacity.
Latest cases/exposures: Nil
Testing: Nil

WESLEY HOUSE AGED CARE
Site status: Phase 2 Prevention Plan enacted, with the site remaining open to visitors in a restricted capacity.
Latest cases/exposures: A staff member tested positive on Saturday, 12 February 2022 and worked while infectious on Friday, 11 February 2022.
Testing: Due to the above case, all residents in the Semaphore wing underwent precautionary testing and have returned negative results.

WEST LAKES AGED CARE
Site status: Phase 2 Prevention Plan enacted, with the site remaining open to visitors in a restricted capacity.
Latest cases/exposures: A visiting family member, who later tested positive, attended West Lakes Aged Care while infectious on Wednesday, 16 February 2022.
Testing: The resident they visited is isolating and has undergone testing. We are awaiting the result.

WESTMINSTER VILLAGE AGED CARE
The Westminster Village situation remains unchanged, as per our previous update.
Site status: Phase 2 Prevention Plan enacted, with the site remaining open to visitors in a restricted capacity.
Latest cases/exposures: A staff member tested positive on Sunday, 13 February 2022 and worked while infectious earlier that day.
Testing: Due to the above case, all residents in the Semaphore and Largs (Memory Support) wings underwent precautionary testing and have returned negative results.

Thank you for your understanding over recent months. We know it has been a difficult situation to navigate, particularly for family and friends who have been separated from their loved ones. Please know we will do everything we can to maintain visitor access.

If you have any questions about the COVID-19 situation at any of our homes, please contact your Aged Care home directly. Contact details can be found at https://unitingsa.com.au/contact.