Novel Coronavirus Announcement

Every year we prepare to manage any outbreak of infectious diseases such as the flu or gastroenteritis. We are implementing the same procedures now to try and prevent the virus from entering our centres, villages or residential care homes and containing it if and as needed. We are following the advice from the health authorities and working with them to ensure we are as prepared as we can be. Our focus is on ensuring the health and wellbeing of our consumers and employees.

COVID-19 has been found to be an extremely high risk for those over 80 years old. Anglican Care has taken some significant measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our consumers is maintained. Following the recommendations from the Australian Government and the Department of Health, we ask that you minimise visiting consumers within our service. Our employees will contact you via phone if there is any change in condition of your relative.

If you decide to visit your relative or friend, we have implemented the following strategies to protect our consumers:

1)  All entry points to the facility will remain locked other than the main entrance which will be secured.

2)  The main entrance will be the sole entry point for all people entering the facility (ie. including staff).

3)  Visitors will be required to speak to a staff member prior to being able to access the facility. During this discussion each visitor will be asked:

• • • Have you recently returned from international travel including cruises?
    • Do you have any flu like symptoms?
    • Do you have a fever?

4)  As soon as supplies of infrared medical grade thermometers are available at a site, the screening is to include the recording of a temperature. Any person with a temperature in excess of 38 degrees Celsius in not to be admitted except with the express approval of the facility manager.

We are doing all we can to plan to protect consumers receiving a home care package, attending one of our day therapy centres and residents living in our retirement villages or residential care homes, and anticipate your support with this public health issue.

When you are visiting your family member please remember to:

• Wash your hands with soap & water or use alcohol based hand rub:
  • On arrival & as you leave
  • Before & after eating
  • After attending the bathroom
• Cough and sneeze into their elbow or a tissue.
• Please avoid visiting your family member is you are unwell

Please see attached Department of Health Coronavirus Factsheet & for further information visit the department of health homepage – www.health.gov.au.

We will continue to keep you updated with any further directives from NSW Health as they come to hand. If you have any queries or concerns, please contact your Residential Care Manager (click here for list of phone numbers) or Care Advisor.

(Correct as of 16th March 2020_Web Announcement 03)