UnitingSA’s Aged Care homes have not recorded any new COVID-19 cases among residents or staff since our previous update. We truly hope this signals the start of a new chapter in our COVID-19 journey, with minimal case numbers.

This result would not have been possible without the ongoing efforts of our teams, who have been fastidious in implementing our infection control practices. We also thank our residents and visitors who have very patiently adhered to COVID-19 prevention measures of both UnitingSA and the State Government.

VISITOR RESTRICTIONS – REMINDER

While the COVID-19 situation in SA appears to be improving, the following restrictions remain in place at our homes which are open to visitors:

  • 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 (contact details can be found at 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
  • Residents are also permitted to leave their facility for a day outing.

The above restrictions form part of UnitingSA’s Phase 2 Prevention Plan measures and aim to stop COVID-19 entering our homes during periods of high community transmission. While COVID-19 cases are reducing, we are acutely aware that daily case numbers continue to exceed 1,500 and the risk of transmission is high.

COMMUNICATION UPDATE

Due to the COVID-19 situation across our Aged Care homes stabilising, UnitingSA’s COVID-19 Hotline will be deactivated at 8pm on Sunday, 6 February 2022. The Hotline came into effect in early January to reduce call volumes to our Aged Care homes impacted by COVID-19. The Hotline will remain in standby mode and will be reactivated if required. If you have any COVID-19 related enquiries, please contact the Aged Care home directly. Contact numbers can be found at unitingsa.com.au/contact.

While we will continue to issue twice weekly updates to keep loved ones informed on the COVID-19 situation, commencing next week the timing of our updates will change. Going forward, COVID-19 updates will be issued on Mondays and Thursdays.

BOOSTER MANDATE CLARIFICATION

In response to queries from friends and families, we would like to clarify the following with regards to booster vaccination requirements for Aged Care visitors.

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 set out in the State Government’s Emergency Management (Residential Aged Care Facilities No 46) (COVID-19) Direction. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we implement this government directive.

COVID-19 SITUATION UPDATES FOR ALL UNITINGSA SITES
Our twice weekly updates incorporate a situation summary for each of our Residential Aged Care homes.

HAWKSBURY GARDENS AGED CARE
Site status: Phase 3 Outbreak Management Plan enacted, with the site remaining closed to visitors.
Latest cases/exposures: There are no new positive cases to report, while a further three residents have now been cleared, resulting in a total of two active cases.
Testing: Two rounds of testing have been carried since our previous update, with no residents or staff testing positive.
Site restrictions: In light of the further reduction in cases, we have formally requested that SA Health reconsider the quarantine conditions of our site. This request is currently being considered by SA Health’s Communicable Disease Control Branch. We will inform you as soon as possible of any change to our current arrangements.

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. Restrictions include a maximum of one visitor per day, with a single visit of up to an hour.
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. Restrictions include a maximum of one visitor per day, with a single visit of up to an hour.
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. Restrictions include a maximum of one visitor per day, with a single visit of up to an hour.
Latest cases/exposures: Nil
Testing: Nil
Café update: The onsite café at Wesley House will reopen on Monday, 7 February 2022, and will operate with reduced hours and a takeaway menu only. The café will be open from 9.30am until 3.30pm daily, and customers will be required to sign-in when ordering. Seating in the café area will remain unavailable at this time.

WEST LAKES AGED CARE
The West Lakes 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. Restrictions include a maximum of one visitor per day, with a single visit of up to an hour.
Latest cases/exposures: Nil
Testing: Nil

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. Restrictions include a maximum of one visitor per day, with a single visit of up to an hour.
Latest cases/exposures: Nil
Testing: Nil

If you have any questions about the COVID-19 situation at our Aged Care homes, please contact your Aged Care home directly.