Update on COVID-19 outbreak (Freemasons)
14 April, 2022
Dear Residents, Families and Advocates
Update on COVID-19 outbreak – Freemasons Home
This morning we received the results from the PCR testing that was undertaken yesterday, Wednesday 13 April 2022. Unfortunately we have been advised that as a result of yesterday’s sweep, we have had a further 10 residents test positive to COVID-19 taking our total active cases to 25.
The residents and their families of the latest positive tests have been informed and are receiving our ongoing support. If our team has not contacted you, rest assured that the impacted residents are not your loved one.
Whilst we continue to navigate the current outbreak, the following arrangements will remain in place:
- Welcoming each resident’s nominated visitor who will be required to undertake a RAT on arrival and to wear a N95 mask and eye protection during their visit.
- Bookings are required for visits and daily visitor numbers to the home will be capped at 30 and bookings are now open for the Easter period.
- To make a booking please email helpline@mctas.org.au. Visiting hours remain from 10am to 6pm daily.
- Residents continue to be considered as close contacts by Public Health, and so are unable to leave the home for reasons other than medical appointments for which they must be taken directly to and from.
- Facilitating FaceTime calls.
Additionally and pleasingly, due to no further cases being picked up in the latest round of testing, residents in Gifford, Griffiths and Linton are now able to move a little more freely within GGL including accessing common areas for exercise as well as the courtyard.
A further round of PCR testing (excepting residents who have previously tested positive in the past 12 weeks) will be conducted this coming Saturday, 16 April 2022 and we will continue to work with Public Health and the Aged Care Emergency Operations Centre on our response measures.
We have also received advice from the Commonwealth Department of Health that we will be welcoming three Enrolled Nurses from the Australian Defence Force to support our workforce. We are anticipating their arrival over the weekend so you may see some new faces when you next visit.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy Easter break and to thank you for your ongoing support of our staff and in ensuring we keep everyone safe. If you have any questions, and particularly as we enter the Easter break, please do not hesitate to contact Kaz Roebuck, Interim Care Manager on 6282 5200.
Yours sincerely
Katie Cooley
Chief Operations Officer
