Update #93
09 February, 2022
Dear Residents and family members,
09 February, 2022
Dear Residents and family members,
Today we have both good and not so good news.
Let me start with the good news…Our Waratah suburb will officially be de-isolated tomorrow as long as there is no evidence of Covid symptoms overnight. So please be aware visiting will be by appointment and will for the most part be in the resident’s room. (Waratah suburb only) The following requirements apply ie: double vaccinated/ Negative RAT test on the day of the visit/ wearing of N95 masks/ only 2 visitors for up to 30 minutes/ no children under 12 years/ weekdays only at this stage.
The not so good news is that a staff member has tested positive and was working across The Hill and Nobbys suburbs on Sunday 6/02/22, for no more than an hour in each suburb. Their RAT was negative prior to commencing their shift and they did not have any symptoms at all whilst on duty. Whilst we deem the risk to be low, it is still considered an exposure and after discussion with the PHU Maroba have moved to confine residents residing in the Hill and Nobbys to their suburb. All residents in The Hill and Nobbys have since had a Rapid Antigen test today (day 3) and will be tested again on day 7. Today’s tests have revealed 1 resident in Nobbys is positive for Covid and a follow up PCR test will be undertaken and sent away to ensure it wasn’t a false positive. The effected resident will remain isolated in their room at least until the PCR test is returned. As is our usual approach all care will continue including social engagement, occupational and physio therapy and spiritual support. If you have a medical appointment during this period of confinement please call Linda Winn to discuss how that can best be managed as it may need to be rescheduled if non urgent.
Families who have appointments for visitation with Residents of the Hill and Nobbys will be contacted to postpone their visit or change to a zoom or facetime call. All pre-arranged care support visits will continue during this confinement period.
For all other visiting we continue with the following arrangements
• Proof of a negative RAT test is required prior to visiting your loved one. If you need to purchase a RAT test from Maroba please ensure you arrive at least 20 minutes prior to your allocated 30 minute visiting time to allow the testing to be completed and to not to hold up a number of other residents appointments. If you do have a health care card/pension you are entitled to a free RAT kit via pharmacies. You can check online to see if you are eligible. Visit: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/get-free-rapid-antigen-tests-rats-if-you-hold-concession-card
• Please ensure you have appropriate clothing with you for an outside undercover visit and be patient with our staff and volunteers who are trying to facilitate your visit.
• It might pay to discuss your visiting or excursion arrangements with other members of the family as, we had a person come to visit their loved one at the same time another relative was taking the resident out, which was a little awkward for all concerned.
• NSW Health protocol requires us to carry out a testing regime post outing, so that we can monitor your loved one for Covid -19 if they leave the facility. Residents who do not return the same day should be isolated until they have a negative PCR, (RAT if delays in PCR processing) the day of return with subsequent tests on day 2, 4 and 7 after they return.
As you may already be aware, bus trips resumed this week for the majority of residents. Those residents that have been out report that it was fantastic to be on the road again. The hairdresser is back on site and the gym has opened again for individual exercise programs or 1-2 groups will attend from the same suburb. Small friendship groups across the facility are able to meet in the Junction Café for coffee and catch up. This does not include resident from The Hill or Nobbys until further notice.
We have been approached by a number of families who would like to show appreciation to staff for their work during the outbreak. This is a lovely gesture and one that has been on our mind too, as to how we could say thanks to all our staff who have gone above and beyond during this current outbreak. One idea we had was to donate to either our Scholarship Fund or general donations account. Donations are tax deductible. Whilst plans are not fixed, we hope to provide a special staff lunch or similar in the near future. If you would like to explore this option, then please email enquiries@maroba.com.au for our bank details and to let us know how you would like your donation to be directed.
At our Covid briefing yesterday we continued to consider our future plans for further relaxation of restrictions, so please be assured we will be ready to change arrangements when the Covid risk changes within our community. We are all looking forward to the day when all visits can be indoors or outdoors as per your choice. The visits today have been well received as it has been a glorious day and a great opportunity to take advantage of the natural Vit D.
Thanks again to our Volunteers who are facilitating your visits…they are amazing, so please be sure to thank them for supporting your time with your loved one!
Yours sincerely,
Viv Allanson, CEO