10 June 2021

Dear Residents, Families and Friends,

It is pleasing to see that the number of COVD-19 cases in metro Melbourne are steadily declining, and Melbourne can slowly come out of some of the lockdown restrictions as of 11.59pm tonight, Thursday 10 June.

Despite some restrictions being eased the government health directions relating to visitor restrictions for aged care homes have not changed and still apply. Disappointingly this means that residents can still only have visitors for ‘end of life’ reasons.

Video calls continue to be available, and we encourage you to keep contact with family and friends within the restriction rules and guidelines. Please do not hesitate to contact the home to make a time to have a video call.

The Government sponsored vaccination program continues at our homes.  Most residents who have wanted to have the vaccine have received at least one, and most have also had their second dose.  Additionally, the program has been extended.  New residents and staff wishing to receive first, and second doses of the vaccine are being offered these opportunities.

It is extremely important that everyone keeps updated with information about exposure sites, and if you have symptoms regardless of how mild, please get tested, wear a mask when required, maintain social distancing, and continue to practice hand hygiene.

Information about the COVID safe requirements is published by the State Government and we remind those who are eligible to be vaccinated, that it is one of the steps in helping to stop the spread of the virus.

Also, I would like to let you know that all my general communications, are available on the Doutta Galla website at https://www.dgas.org.au/coronavirus-updates/ and can be accessed at any time.

If you or your family would like more support during this time, you are welcome to reach out to the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) is an independent, free service to support older people and their family members during COVID-19.  Families can call OPAN on 1800 700 600 if they would like to talk with someone about the COVID-19 situation and its impact, or if worried about a loved one and need to talk to someone.  Elder Rights Advocacy (ERA) is the Victorian OPAN member who will be providing direct individual support to older people and their families and can be contacted through 1800 700 600.

Yours sincerely,

Vanda Iaconese

CEO