26 May 2022

Dear Residents, Families and Friends,

I am writing to let you know that that one of our residents at our Footscray 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.

Currently there are no other residents showing any symptoms of COVID-19.  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.

Our staff continue in their unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest standard of infection control practices are in place.  Staff continue to test for COVID-19 before they commence their shifts and are wearing full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when attending to residents.

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 at Footscray Home by calling on (03) 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.

Doutta Galla appreciates your support and patience during this time.

Yours sincerely,

Vanda Iaconese

CEO