As you may be aware, COVID-19 continues to have a significant impact in South Australia, with 4,024 cases recorded in the past 24 hours and 29,489 active cases state-wide.
Across Australia, this week we surpassed one million COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began, with more than 500,000 cases recorded in the past week alone.
The Aged Care sector is particularly impacted by the current COVID-19 situation, with almost 500 Aged Care homes across the country having exposures, forcing many to close their doors to visitors.
At UnitingSA, we are acutely aware of the importance of protecting the residents in our care and our teams are working around the clock to support their health and wellbeing.
On behalf of the Executive Team, we would like to thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding as we respond to the constantly changing situation, which is unprecedented for us all.
Today’s update provides the latest news regarding our COVID-19 response, along with information about the COVID-19 situation at each of our Aged Care homes.
COVID-19 HOTLINE NOW LIVE
Our new COVID-19 Hotline is now available from 8am until 8pm daily to answer any questions families and friends may have regarding the COVID-19 situation at our Aged Care homes. We were pleased to see a number of families call the hotline during its first day of operations on Monday, 10 January 2022, and we look forward to the ongoing role it will play in our COVID-19 response. As well as providing a new avenue for families and friends to receive information, the hotline will reduce calls to our homes and enable our teams to focus on supporting residents and implementing our Outbreak Management Plans.
BOOSTER VACCINATIONS
The State Government has announced that from 29 January 2022, it will be mandatory for all Aged Care workers to have had a COVID-19 booster vaccine, or evidence of a booking to receive one within four weeks of becoming eligible. This comes as the Federal Government prioritises booster clinics for Aged Care residents across the country. The government has committed to completing the onsite clinics in January 2022 and we’re pleased to advise that all of our homes have either held their booster clinic or have it scheduled for the coming days. UnitingSA welcomes the extra protection the booster vaccines will provide our residents. Further information regarding the booster clinic times for each of our Aged Care homes can be found in the COVID-19 situation update below.
LIFTING STAFF MORALE
It is a challenging and emotive time right across the Aged Care sector as COVID-19 exposures escalate and teams work tirelessly to protect the health and wellbeing of residents. UnitingSA’s frontline Aged Care teams are under enormous pressure, with the extra responsibility of implementing Outbreak Management Plans and keeping residents safe amid industry-wide workforce challenges. To help lift the spirits of our Aged Care teams, we are collecting positive feedback from families and friends to pass on to staff in our homes. Their kind words might be just what our teams need to hear as they work longer hours and additional shifts to support our residents.
COVID-19 SITUATION UPDATES FOR ALL UNITINGSA SITES
HAWKSBURY GARDENS AGED CARE
Site status: Phase 3 Outbreak Management Plan enacted, with the site remaining closed to visitors.
Latest exposure/s: 17 staff members have now been confirmed COVID-19 positive and attended the site during their infectious period between 31 December 2021 and 8 January 2022, while wearing full PPE. Ten residents have also tested positive and their families have been notified.
Testing: The latest resident and staff testing occurred on 10 January 2022 and we are awaiting some results.
Booster clinics: An onsite booster vaccination clinic for residents will be held on 17 January 2022.
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 exposure/s: Nil
Testing: Nil
Booster clinics: An onsite booster vaccination clinic for residents will be held on 17 January 2022.
SEATON AGED CARE
The Seaton 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 exposure/s: Nil
Testing: Nil
Booster clinics: An onsite booster vaccination clinic for residents was held on 17 December 2021.
WESLEY HOUSE AGED CARE
Site status: Phase 3 Outbreak Management Plan enacted, with the site remaining closed to visitors.
Latest exposure/s: Three staff members tested positive to COVID-19 on 10 January 2022 and attended the site during their infectious period on 9 and 10 January 2022, while wearing full PPE. This brings the total number of active cases to six.
Testing: Rapid Antigen Tests are being carried out on select residents today, 11 January 2022.
Booster clinics: Onsite booster vaccination clinics for residents are being held on 11 and 12 January 2022.
WEST LAKES AGED CARE
Site status: Phase 3 Outbreak Management Plan enacted, with the site remaining closed to visitors.
Latest exposure/s: Six staff members tested positive to COVID-19 between 2 and 9 January 2022 and attended the site during their infectious period up until 10 January 2022, while wearing full PPE. This brings the total number of active cases to nine.
Testing: No residents have been deemed close contacts, so testing will only be undertaken if symptomatic. Staff testing continues in line with SA Health directives.
Booster clinics: An onsite booster vaccination clinic for residents will be held on Tuesday, 18 January 2022.
WESTMINSTER VILLAGE AGED CARE
Site status: Phase 3 Outbreak Management Plan enacted, with the site remaining closed to visitors.
Latest exposure/s: There are no new exposures to report.
Testing: As per SA Health directives, we will continue to monitor residents and will test if symptomatic.
Booster clinics: An onsite booster vaccination clinic for residents will be held on 14 January 2022.
We continue to support visits on compassionate grounds for residents receiving end-of-life care. Residential Operations Managers can also assist eligible family and friends who have routinely visited to support aspects of residents’ care to become ‘essential care visitors’ as part of our Partners in Care initiative.