RAPID ANTIGEN TESTING FOR AGED CARE VISITORS
Due to the current rise in COVID-19 cases in South Australia, UnitingSA will next week introduce a Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) program for all Residential Aged Care visitors.
This follows the rollout of Rapid Antigen Testing for staff and contractors, and is being implemented by a growing number of South Australian Aged Care providers.
From Monday, 28 March 2022, all visitors must undertake a Rapid Antigen Test prior to entry and show a negative result*, in order to visit their loved one.
While UnitingSA will supply Rapid Antigen Test kits for this purpose, visitors will be required to source their initial Rapid Antigen Test kit. When you present your initial negative RAT at reception, you will be supplied with five test kits for future visits.
When you require more RAT kits, please speak with your home’s reception staff who will supply these to you. Please note, visitors cannot collect kits on behalf of other family members.
Visitors are asked to follow the below steps:
- Within an hour before visiting a UnitingSA Aged Care site, take a Rapid Antigen Test in line with the instructions contained in the kit. The test may be administered at home, in your car upon arrival, or outside of the facility’s entrance.
- Allow approximately 15 minutes for the test result to appear.
- If negative, present the result at reception, as part of the standard screening process, and dispose of the test kit in the bin provided.
If positive, do not enter the site*. Return home immediately to isolate and phone the home to inform them of your result. In line with SA Health guidelines, you must also report your positive result within 24 hours using their online form.
*In the event of a positive result, visitors will only be permitted to enter if they can demonstrate it has been 10 or more than days since they contracted COVID-19 and they have no symptoms. Evidence could be an SA Health SMS or a letter from their GP.
- Store your Rapid Antigen Test kits in a cool place (anywhere between 2 and 30°C). Do not store them in direct sunlight or in hot places like your car. You don’t need to keep them in the fridge, but if you do, then keep the kit at room temperature (15 to 30°C) for 30 minutes before use.
Rapid Antigen Testing will provide an important tool to help keep COVID-19 out of our homes and ensure the continued wellbeing of our residents. The Rapid Antigen Testing program will remain in place until further notice. Visitors are also reminded to book visits the day before they intend to see their loved one.
More information regarding Rapid Antigen Testing is available on the SA Health website.
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact your aged care home directly using the contact details listed at unitingsa.com.au/contact.
SEATON AGED CARE COVID-19 UPDATE
Our team of 10 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel continue to make a very positive and welcome contribution to our home.
Our COVID-positive residents continue to display only mild symptoms, which is very reassuring. All residents remain well supported and are enjoying the company of the ADF support workers.
PCR testing of all other residents was due to occur yesterday, but was rescheduled by SA Health and was carried out earlier today.
We expect to receive the results over the weekend. If any positive cases are detected, the relevant family members will be notified directly.
We also anticipate that a number of COVID-positive residents will be formally cleared by SA Health early next week, due to reaching the end of their infectious period.
I will provide you with a further update on Monday. If you have any questions in the meantime, please call Seaton Aged Care on (08) 8268 7677.