10 September 2021

Dear Residents, Families and Friends,

Thank you for your support as we continue to work together to keep our Doutta Galla Woornack community COVID-19 safe.

I am pleased to advise that COVID -19 testing of residents and staff was completed on Wednesday 8 September 2021.  All tests have returned a negative result, and all residents are symptom free.

On this basis we will return the Home to COVID-19 safe practices and visitor restrictions in line with Department of Health and Human Services Directions.  Residents will once again be able to move freely around the home, enjoy meals in the dining room and participate in social and planned activities.  In line with the State Governments Care Directives, visitations can occur for end-of-life reasons and in special circumstances.

We know that the residents don’t enjoy being in their rooms but unfortunately with the ongoing and rising cases of the Delta variant of COVID-19 in Victoria, there are times when we need to take action to protect our residents.  We understand how difficult these lockdowns are for many of you and we want to do all we can to support and facilitate contact with your loved ones.  We will do this by facilitating video calls and window visits where this is possible.  Please contact the home to make a time to have a video call or to set up a window visit.

Since the beginning of May 2021, we have been conducting vaccination clinics at all Doutta Galla Homes providing opportunities for our residents and staff to be fully vaccinated.  Woornack is well on track to meet the vaccination requirements that the Government expects of aged care providers.

Doutta Galla encourages family members and friends who are eligible to be vaccinated to consider booking an appointment.  You can click here to Book your vaccine appointment | Coronavirus Victoria.

The Victorian Government updates Tier 1, 2 and 3 exposure sites daily.  It is important that everyone is aware of these exposure sites and follows the COVID-19 safe restrictions accordingly.  Remember if you have symptoms, please get tested immediately, take care, wear a mask when required, maintain social distancing and continue to practice hand hygiene.

If you or your family would like more support during this difficult time, please reach out to OPAN (Older Persons Advisory Network) on 1800 237 981.  They are available 6am-10pm, 7 days a week.  The other organisation that can assist you is Elder Rights Advocacy Victoria who can be reached on 1800 171 866 for support and advice.

Please contact the Home on 03 9312 0111 if you have any questions or concerns.  In addition, you are welcome to contact us via the email address covid19questions@dgas.org.au.

Yours sincerely,

Vanda Iaconese

CEO