Update #100
7 April 2022
Good afternoon residents, family and friends,
This is Update #100. It is hard to believe that we issued our first update on 10 March 2020 and we still laugh that at the time we didn’t even think to number it! You don’t know what you don’t know, and we certainly didn’t expect to still be issuing updates over two years later. Haven’t we all come so far in our knowledge of managing a pandemic and working through what a new normal way of life will look like, even though we don’t always like it.
We are providing an update today as we have some significant days in April coming up with Easter and Anzac Day on the horizon.
As advised previously, over the Easter Public Holiday period Maroba will only be open for in-room visiting on Sunday 17 April 2022. There will be two appointment times being 10am and 3pm and a maximum of 2 visitors are allowed on any one day for a 30 minute visit. Unless prior arrangements have been made, Maroba will be closed for general visiting on Friday 15, Saturday 16 and Monday 18 April.
As we are not able to facilitate outside visits over this 4 day holiday period children under 12 years will not be able to visit on the Sunday. Next week is the first week of the school holidays so can we encourage children to visit next week (Monday to Thursday). Outside visits are to be booked via Reception, and please consider the weather on the day and bring appropriate clothing.
If you would like to take your loved one out over the Easter long weekend, please complete the excursion form and submit by Tuesday 12 April to allow for us to finalise our rosters.
To other news, Anzac Day is fast approaching, and this is another important day on our calendar. Our Poppy project is progressing well, and we have been delighted with the significant poppy contributions that are of all different shapes, sizes and colours. We look forward to revealing this project which has involved residents, staff, family members, friends of family members and general community members. Whilst we are still finalising our Anzac Day ceremony we are pleased to advise that Stephanie Hilkman, our Social and Engagement team member and currently on maternity leave will facilitate the ceremony once again. If your loved one served in the forces, we would like to invite 2 family members to visit in the morning of Anzac Day to spend some time with your loved one to help them get ready and accompany them to the ANZAC service here at Maroba.
Of course all current protocols will continue including
- Providing evidence of a Negative RAT taken on the day of your visit
- Check in on Coolguard or if outside the QR code provided
- Wear an N95 mask over your mouth and nose at all times throughout your visit
- Only 2 fully vaccinated visitors over 12 years for in room visits
- Only 2 fully vaccinated adults and up to 2 children for outdoor visits
- No eating or drinking during any visiting
- Maintain social distancing
- Ensure regular hand hygiene
Its vaccination time again and we urge everyone to consider both the 4th Covid Vaccine being offered on 22nd April 2022 and the Fluvax which will be offered as soon as supplies are available. See attached message from the commonwealth Chief medical Officer. It is anticipated that the spread of Corona Virus will continue and escalate during the colder months, so it is not the time to be complacent. The virus is spreading quickly across the Hunter Region placing older people at greater risk of serious disease. The vaccines on offer have proven to make a difference to the severity of the disease which will enable a quicker recovery and greater protection if we do come into close contact with an active case. Please attend to both Vaccination consent forms available on our website or ask at reception for a hard copy.
Our testing regimes continue daily for staff and as required for residents either when there is a staff exposure or if they have been out in the community with family and friends.
Whilst we do encourage outings, we still urge caution as to where you go and how many people will be present. If in doubt call reception and we will get you the advice to suit your situation.
Viv Allanson
CEO
2022.04.07 Coronavirus Update #100
CMO Letter to Aged Care Residents on COVID-19 Winter Doses – April 2022