CEO Update to our valued community

13 March, 2020

Dear Residents, Community Clients and Visitors of Masonic Care Tasmania (MCT),

As you know, the situation concerning the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak is rapidly changing, both here in Australia and overseas.

We are actively monitoring information provided by the Australian Government Department of Health in relation to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) health alert, and are taking active measures to reduce exposure to the virus and its potential impact on our organisation.

The health, safety and wellbeing of our residents, clients and staff is always our priority. This will continue to guide our actions now and into the future, supported by the best advice of our health authorities.

While coronavirus is of concern, it is important to remember that most people displaying symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or tiredness are likely suffering with a cold or other respiratory illness—not coronavirus.

We’re operating on a ‘business as usual’ basis for now, although we are very mindful of the fact that things could change.

For the health and safety of our residents, clients and staff, we ask all visitors to consider their need to visit, and request anyone with flu-like symptoms to stay away from all MCT sites.

We request that you do not attend any Masonic Care Tasmania site in the following circumstances:

• If you exhibit any flu-like symptoms
• If you have returned from overseas, having travelled to any of the countries listed by the Australian Government as countries of interest for COVID-19
• If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19

How can we help prevent the spread of coronavirus?
MCT is well accustomed to implementing infectious disease protocols and it is important we continue to follow these protocols now more than ever.
Practising good hand and sneeze/cough hygiene is the best defence against most viruses. You should:

• wash your hands frequently with soap and water, before and after eating, and after going to the toilet
• cover your cough and sneeze, dispose of tissues, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser
• and if unwell, avoid contact with others (stay more than 1.5 metres from people).

We will continue to keep you informed as things progress. However, for now, your care will continue as usual, and your care manager will inform you should anything change in this regard.

In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our team if you have any questions.

Thank you for your support and ongoing commitment to MCT.

Kind regards,
Jackie Howard
Chief Executive Officer
Masonic Care Tasmania