Doutta Galla COVID-19

5 September 2021

Dear Resident, Families and Friends

The COVID-19 community transmission levels continue to increase across Victoria and in particular Melbourne’s north and western suburbs despite the strong restrictions imposed by the Victorian Premier and the Chief Health Officer.

Unfortunately, I am writing to you again today to inform you that late last night I was notified that one of our contract cleaning staff at our Queens Park Home is a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case.  As a consequence, the Queens Park Home has activated its emergency management plan as a precautionary response.

Residents and staff are being tested today and residents will be COVID-19 screened twice daily.  No residents have any symptoms at this time.  Until the test results are completed, and results known, we will encourage residents to remain in their rooms.  We will continue to monitor the situation and will review our next steps following the results of the testing.

The Home is committed to providing our residents with continued high-quality care throughout this precautionary response.  Additional staff have been brought into the home as we support the wellbeing of our residents by keeping them actively engaged and connected via video calls and window visits where possible.  Please contact the Home to make a time to have a video call or to set up a window visit.

As the rate of community transmission is continuing to increase, further precautionary responses may need to be activated for the protection of residents and staff.  Doutta Galla continues to monitor the situation closely and planning continues to enable rapid activation where required, and a return to usual practices as soon as we can safely.

Doutta Galla continues to proactively support the vaccination of residents and staff at our Queens Park Home, and most of the Queens Park residents and staff have been vaccinated.  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 being 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, however if you have an enquiry or concern about your family member, please call the Queens Park Home on
03 9372 8895. In addition, we have an email address where you can send any questions, comments or concerns related to COVID-19. The email address is covid19questions@dgas.org.au.

If you or your family would like more support during this time, please reach out to OPAN (Older Persons Advisory Network) on 1800 237 981.  They are available 6am-10pm, 7 days a week.  The other organisation that can assist you is Elder Rights Advocacy Victoria who can be reached on 1800 171 866 for support and advice.

Yours sincerely,

Vanda Iaconese

CEO

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