COVID-19 Christmas Update
Anglican Care Christmas update to Residents, Families & Friends – COVID-19 Residential Update – 24th December 2021
Dear Anglican Care community
Thank you for your ongoing support as we work to keep residents, staff and family members safe from COVID-19.
We would like to inform you that sadly, we do have some of our services remaining in lockdown over Christmas, and others awaiting information regarding an easing of lockdown for Christmas or Boxing Day. Communications were distributed to residents of affected facilities and their primary contacts yesterday evening, 23 December, and updates will continue to be provided as information becomes available. We are incredibly grateful for the patience and understanding received as we navigate these challenges.
Please be assured that Anglican Care recognizes the importance of connection at this time of year, and we expect an increase in visitation to our services who are not under lockdown conditions.
While we encourage families to visit their loved ones that we provide care to, the increased local risk of COVID-19 means that it is vital that key safety practices are followed to reduce the risk of the virus entering our facilities.
These steps include:
- Checking in via Service NSW, as well as our R3 screening system, which are both accessible via QR code.
- Wearing a surgical mask at all times while onsite, especially when in contact and communicating with residents and staff.
- Ensuring all visits take place in the resident’s room. Visitation is not permitted in public or common spaces.
- Regularly performing hand hygiene and utilizing hand sanitizer which is readily available throughout our facilities.
Please also note that:
- It is strongly recommended that prior to attending a residential care service, visitors have a negative rapid antigen test or PCR result within the previous 24 hours.
- All visitation needs to occur in line with current Public Health Orders. Current advice for residential aged care facilities can be found at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/racf-latest-advice.aspx .
By following these steps you can assist us in keeping your loved one and the other residents and staff of our services safe. We sincerely thank all family, friends and the wider Anglican Care community for your ongoing patience, understanding and cooperation. It is greatly appreciated.
As always, please be assured that if there are any clinical changes, we will contact you directly.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Bishop Peter Stuart and the Newcastle Anglican & Anglican Care Residential Aged Care Team