Update #101
11 April 2022
Good afternoon residents, family and friends,
I am very pleased to report that no residents are showing signs of Colds or Flu and none have tested positive for Covid.
Unfortunately since the 7/04 the number of exposures within the facility have crept up to 5 which moves Maroba from an Exposure site to an Outbreak site. Given that all Covid positive staff and visitors have been identified quickly and were wearing appropriate PPE the risk to residents and other staff members is Low.
The Public Health Unit and Commonwealth Govt have been notified each day of any changes in our circumstances and are satisfied with our response so far.
Staff continue to have a Rapid antigen Test before each shift and Visitors are providing results of their Rapid Antigen tests prior to entry. This system is working well but will miss cases if the disease is in its early stages. Being aware of the slightest change to how you are feeling may well be the best indicator even if your RAT is negative.
We would ask that all visitors be diligent in following all requirements upon entry to Maroba as the slightest breach may cause us to go into a full Lock down of the service. Community transmission remains very high so be sure to activate safe practices whilst out and about in the community. Even though we are permitting outdoor visits with up to 2 children under 12 with 2 fully vaccinated adults, I would urge you to consider the potential exposure to Covid that the children may have had and postpone such visits till a later date. If that is not possible then ensure strict social distancing and mask wearing throughout the entire visit.
Residents in all suburbs are on a Rapid Antigen Testing regime depending on the date of their possible first exposure. Also residents who are going out are also on a regime of testing.
Visiting arrangements will continue as planned for the moment but may change on short notice. In the event that Easter plan are cancelled I suggest that families wishing to exchange Easter gifts do so during this week. Please keep a lookout for new updates over the coming days.
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. This week is the first week of the school holidays so can we can accommodate 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. If you do go out please ensure that you follow the same protective measures that are followed at Maroba. Avoid crowded venues, try to stay outdoors or in the family home, maintain social distance, regular hand hygiene and masks where appropriate. Remember you will be returning to a large community and no one wants to go into isolation.
Of course all current protocols will continue including
- Visiting only between 10 am and 4:30pm weekdays only
- 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
Vaccinations:
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. It is anticipated that the spread of Coronavirus 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.
Viv Allanson
CEO