3 December 2021

Dear Resident, Families and Friends,

I am delighted to inform you that late this afternoon the Western Public Health Unit have advised that the outbreak classification at Avondale Heights has now been stood down. Given this advice, the Home will be returned to COVID-19 safe practices in line with Government Directions.

We will continue to monitor residents’ health and wellbeing closely. Staff will remain wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in line with Government Directives. Social distancing, hand hygiene, and normal infection control cleaning regimes will also continue.

What this means now:

• Residents are no longer required to isolate in their rooms and may use the common areas in the Home.
• Residents may attend off-site appointments where necessary, adhering to COVID-19 safe practices.
• New fully vaccinated residents may be admitted. There are no additional requirements on admission other than routine symptom screening.
• Visiting health practitioners (such as general practitioners and allied health) may attend the Home as required.

We know that many families will want to visit as soon as possible, and we are taking reasonable and measured steps to safely open our Home.  In the coming days the Home will be in contact with families to advise of opportunities for visitations.

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. Importantly, all Avondale Heights Home staff, and most residents have been vaccinated. Please call us on 9325 0000 if you have an enquiry or concern or you can email covid19questions@dgas.org.au.

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

Yours sincerely,

Vanda Iaconese

CEO