6 January 2022

Dear Residents, Families and Friends,

I am writing to advise you that late last night, I was informed that two staff members at our Footscray Home have tested positive to COVID-19.  This means that we will need to reintroduce a precautionary response and activate an outbreak management plan.  We recognise this is disruptive 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.  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.  Staff have recommenced wearing full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when attending to residents, and residents will be encouraged to remain in their room to receive care and services.

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.  We are working closely with the Western Primary Health Unit (WPHU) in assessing the situation and until we have clear instructions, we will need to restrict visitations to the Home.

We will provide regular communications to residents, families and friends as changes occur at the Home during the coming period.

We will advise you immediately of any changes to you or your family member’s health status.  If you have an enquiry or concern about your family member you can call the Footscray Home on 03 9687 6744.  In addition, you are welcome to contact us via email at 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.

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

Yours sincerely,

Vanda Iaconese

CEO