Find out more about coronavirus (COVID-19) here.

Why is this virus so dangerous for older people?
The older you are, the higher your risk of serious illness from COVID-19. Learn how to protect yourself and others here.

 What do I need to do?
Everyone must do the following things to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect those who are most at risk.

• Good hygiene stops germs entering your body
• Physical distancing and staying home if unwell stops the virus travelling to you
• The flu shot helps you stay healthy
• Interstate travel restrictions
• Reporting any symptoms immediately protects others.

I feel unwell, what should I do?
If you are sick and think you have symptoms of COVID-19, seek immediate medical advice and get tested. Please do not visit a residential aged care facility or an older person in the community. If you want to talk to someone about your symptoms, call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 for advice. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450. If it is a medical emergency, please call 000.

I feel lonely and would like to talk to someone.
The Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line provides information and support to senior Australians, their families and carers. Call 1800 171 866 Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 6pm, except public holidays.

Our visiting requirements to our Residential Care homes are designed to keep our residents safe, while helping them to stay connected to their families and friends. These include:

• Screening via one point of entry (main reception) remains in place. This includes proof of flu vaccination and symptom checking. You will find more information regarding influenza vaccines in residential aged care settings here. This is vital to perform correct contact tracing in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak.
• Visits can occur in resident’s rooms or designated non-communal areas, but remain limited to a maximum of 2 people per day, per visit. All visitors must practice good hygiene and social distancing while on-site.
• Current interstate visitor restrictions apply
• Visitors from any declared COVID-19 medium to high risk areas will not be permitted to enter – exceptions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in end-of-life situations in line with approval from the Government of Tasmania.
• Our current visiting hours are 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm weekends – these are subject to change so please check by calling us before your arrival.

I’m not vaccinated against influenza, can I still enter a MCT aged care facility?
No. Since 1 May 2020, you must have had the 2020 influenza vaccine to work in or visit a residential aged care facility. In Tasmania, if you have a certificate from a GP stating that you have a medical contraindication to influenza vaccine, then this requirement does not apply, however you must bring your certificate with you to the facility.

Residential Care
Our Residential Care homes continue to provide high-quality, person-centred care to our residents. If you or someone you know is in need of Residential or Respite care, our team is still here to talk you through your options and help you make an informed choice. Please call our friendly team on 6282 5200 for Hobart area or 6345 7100 for Launceston area.

Home Care Support Services
Our Home Support services continue to deliver essential services including shopping support, essential transport to the pharmacy, GP or other medical appointments as well as personal and domestic assistance.

Retirement Living
Our Retirement Living Villages are operating as normal with hand hygiene and social distancing requirements in place.

Day Therapy Centre & Manor Gardens
Our Day Therapy Centre & Manor Gardens sites are operating as normal with hand hygiene and social distancing requirements in place.

How can I keep up-to-date about MCT’s COVID-19 plans?
Regular updates will be made via email, letters, Zoom meetings, on our COVID-19 website tab and Facebook updates to residents, families and the community.

What will happen if there is a confirmed positive case of COVID-19?
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has created a short video explaining what to expect in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak in a residential aged care setting: https://youtu.be/xPT-AztUd6w

MCT has developed a COVID-19 Outbreak Response Plan which will be deployed in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak.

What will happen if my loved one contracts COVID-19?
Please be assured that we will continue to treat your loved one with the same care and respect as always. PPE is worn by our team to prevent the spread of the virus to themselves or other people.

Residents who test positive may be transferred to hospital to receive medical treatment, but this is subject to the direction of the Department of Health who assess this on a case by case basis.

Will MCT suspend visits to the facility?
We continue to work closely with the Public Health Department. If we believe the risk to our residents has increased we may have to suspend visits for a period of time. You will be advised if this occurs and we will open again as soon as the risk falls to acceptable levels.

What plans do you have in place to prevent social isolation and ensure mental wellbeing to my loved one during restricted visits?
MCT has developed a Family/Resident Support Program which ensures our residents:

• Stay informed: ensure loved ones are updated on clinical, social and spiritual care.
• Stay connected: keep residents and families connected through regular assisted phone/video calls
• Specialised Life Enrichment Program: Our Lifestyle Team will keep residents active and engaged with additional reading, exercise and viewing resources while in their rooms.

The first phase of the national COVID-19 vaccine roll-out (Phase 1a) for RACF residents and workers, is planned to commence from Monday 22 February 2021. Residential aged care Residents and Workers will be among the first people who can choose to receive the vaccine in the first roll-out phase (Phase 1a).

In preparation for this, together with Families, Advocates and GPs, we will be supporting Residents who choose to have the vaccine with obtaining their consent and registering them for Phase 1a of the roll out.

For more information visit: https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/getting-vaccinated-for-covid-19/information-for-aged-care-providers-workers-and-residents-about-covid-19-vaccines?fbclid=IwAR1qjQ5RvKcBppkNWxyCn0H7xUOgfKNmzyayZ2-Yx8hNiW9zbKqh-lxENmU

For the latest advice, information and resources, go to www.health.gov.au or https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/

To find out more about state specific information on COVID-19, visit the local state and territory health departments here.