5 January 2022

Dear Residents, Families and Friends,

In the interest of open communication, I would like to inform you that this afternoon that there are two new exposures at our Avondale Heights Home.  Unfortunately, this means that we are required to reintroduce a precautionary response similar to that which was implemented only 2 weeks ago.  As disruptive as this is to all of us, our priority remains to safeguard our Homes as best we can.

Currently there are no residents showing symptoms of COVID-19 and we are reviewing the exposures.  Staff have recommenced wearing full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when attending to residents, and residents will once again be receiving services in their rooms.  Our staff continue in their unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest standard of infection control practices are in place, and we will continue with our enhanced cleaning protocols.

As you know at the moment there is a high level of COVID activity around and Victoria has recorded an extraordinary number of cases today.  Regrettably this means that the possibility of exposure to the virus is growing, and it seems that for the short-term we will need to continually assess, review and respond according to the information and advice that we have at any particular time.  The formal advice we are receiving and the expectations around the actions we need to take are rapidly changing too. This requires us to quickly modify and adapt how we respond.

Although we are required to undertake strict actions in response to the exposures, and are working with the Western Public Health Unit (WPHU) with our response, we are also investigating whether all the precautionary actions are required and/or whether these actions can be applied to parts of the Home only, rather than to the whole Home.  However, until we have clarification from the WPHU, we will need to restrict visitations to the Home.

We will advise you immediately of any changes to you or your family member’s health status.   We understand how difficult this will be for many of you.  We want to do all we can to support and facilitate contact with your loved ones.  We can arrange phone or video calls or set up a window visit via our administration staff at Avondale Heights by calling on 9325 0000.  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.

Again, Doutta Galla appreciates your support during this challenging time.

Yours sincerely,

Vanda Iaconese

CEO