18 October 2021

Dear Residents and Families and Friends

I am writing to advise you early this afternoon, I was informed that Doutta Galla Footscray Home has a staff member that has tested positive to COVID-19.  For the protection of our residents and staff, Doutta Galla has activated its emergency management plan and is in full lockdown.

At this time, we do not have other staff or residents showing any symptoms of COVID 19.  However, we are closely monitoring this situation and residents will be screened for COVID-19 twice per day.  All staff have been vaccinated.  Coincidently, COVID-19 testing of residents and staff occurred yesterday and we are waiting for the results.  We will advise as soon as the new testing results are received, or if there are any major changes.

Staff will encourage residents to remain in their rooms where care and support will be provided.  Staff continue to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when attending to residents.  This will continue until testing requirements have been completed and a stand down order has been provided by DHHS Public Health Unit.

We have commenced our own contact tracing and staff deemed ‘close contacts’ have been taken off the roster until testing is completed.  Our staff have been briefed and are committed to the ongoing care and support of our residents.  Staff have been trained, and are monitored, to ensure the highest standard of infection control practices are in place, and we will continue with our enhanced cleaning protocols.

A deep clean of the home is underway, and we have also increased the usual cleaning regime until we receive notification that the site is COVID-19 free.  Additional staff have been brought in to support the home and are committed to ensuring residents are comfortable and supported.

As you know vaccination is a key strategy to defeating this virus and Doutta Galla encourages you and your families who are yet to be vaccinated to consider doing so.  Being vaccinated is important as the Care Directives allow visitations to aged care homes for those fully vaccinated.  You can click here to Book your vaccine appointment | Coronavirus Victoria.

We will advise you immediately of any changes to your family member’s health status.  If you have an enquiry or concern about your family member or to make contact with them via video call or to set up a window visit, please call Footscray on 9687 6744.  In addition, you are welcome to contact us via 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.

We will keep in touch on a regular basis to inform you of any changes to the situation. Thank you for your support during this challenging time.

Yours sincerely,

Vanda Iaconese

CEO