15 July 2022

Dear Residents, Families and Friends,

I am writing to let you know that that one of our residents at our Harmony Village Home has tested positive to COVID-19.  Regrettably this means that we are required to go back into a precautionary response to safeguard our Home and have implemented our outbreak management plan.   The resident is comfortable and isolating in their room, and the family of this resident has been notified.

The Home has already completed a round of Rapid Antigen testing today and there are no further residents who have tested positive.  We will conduct COVID-19 testing for residents every 72 hours until we have a better understanding of the situation and are monitoring closely the situation.

Staff continue to complete RAT tests before they commence their shifts at the home. Our staff are committed to ensuring the highest standard of infection control practices are in place

We are beginning to see another rise of community infection rates due to the new COVID variant, BA.5 and winter flu outbreaks.  For those who are eligible we encourage you to have a booster or winter dose to provide you with additional protection.

Please let us know if you would like our administration staff to set up videoconferencing with your loved ones we will gladly assist.

We do ask that should you chose to visit the Home, that you have your RAT test prior to entering the Home.  Please be patient with our staff and follow their instructions when they are guiding you to wear PPE.

We will advise you immediately of any changes to you or your family member’s health status.  For further information you can reach out to our administration staff on 5831 7921.  In addition, you are welcome to contact us via email at covid19questions@dgas.org.au

For more support and advice during this time, please reach out to OPAN (Older Persons Advisory Network) on 1800 237 981 or Elder Rights Advocacy Victoria on 1800 171 866.  They are available 6am-10pm, 7 days a week.

Thank you for your support, patience and understanding during this challenging time.

Yours sincerely,

Vanda Iaconese

CEO