Dear resident and family member,

I am writing to let you know that a staff member at Doutta Galla’s Footscray Aged Care Home has tested positive to coronavirus. Although the staff member has no symptoms, they are now in isolation in their home. The staff member last worked at the home on Sunday 26 April 2020 and has not work since that date. The staff member did not work at any other Doutta Galla Aged Care Homes.

I want to assure you that there is not an outbreak nor a COVID-19 cluster at the Footscray Aged Care Home nor at any Doutta Galla Home. There is no need to be alarmed and no resident or staff are showing any signs of infection. You are receiving this advice as part of our proactive and open communication with you, and as part of our open disclosure policy.

As a precaution, Doutta Galla has now activated its emergency response including notifying the relevant state and federal government authorities and has commenced testing staff and we anticipate that testing will be available to residents as well at our Footscray home. We are also encouraging all Doutta Galla staff to have a COVID-19 test in line with the request from the Department of Health and Human Services who are providing free testing for all Victorian Aged Care staff even if they do not display any symptoms.

The Commonwealth Department of Health and the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services have been notified about the situation at our Footscray home and we are working closely with authorities to ensure the ongoing health and safety of residents and staff. We continue to practice enhanced infection control and enhanced cleaning protocols. We have brought in additional staff to support the home as we continue to provide the highest standard of care and support to our residents.

Our staff have been briefed and are committed to the ongoing care and support of our residents.

I do want to re-iterate that there is no outbreak at any Doutta Galla homes. If, however you have an enquiry or concern about your loved one, please call the relevant Doutta Galla Aged Care Home where they live. In addition, we have set up an email address where you can send any questions, comments or concerns related to COVID-19. The email address is covid19questions@dgas.org.au.

We will keep in touch on a regular basis to inform you of any changes to the situation. Thank you for your support during this challenging time.

Yours sincerely,

Vanda Iaconese 
Chief Executive Officer Doutta Galla Aged Services Ltd