8 October 2021

Dear Resident, Families and Friends,

I am writing to advise you this afternoon I received notification from the Department of Health that an essential service contractor who provided a service at our Avondale Heights Home on 27 September has tested positive for COVID-19.  The exposure time was less than I hour, and 11 days ago.  We do not have any staff or residents at Avondale Heights who have signs or symptoms of COVID-19, and we do not consider that there is an outbreak at Avondale Heights.

However, for the ongoing protection of our residents and staff, Doutta Galla has activated its emergency management plan as a precautionary response.  Further testing for residents and staff will be undertaken as soon as possible and results will be provided as soon as they are available.  We will continue to monitor the situation and will review our next steps following the results of the testing.

As part of our COVID-19 pandemic response Avondale Heights has been actively supporting the COVID-19 vaccination program for both our residents and all staff have been vaccinated as per the Government mandate.  Regular asymptomatic testing of staff has been ongoing, and all returned negative test results from tests, undertaken as recently as the 4 October 2021.

Residents will be closely monitored and twice daily COVID-19 screening of each resident will be undertaken. Staff have already commenced wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE).  Until these test results are completed, and results known, we will encourage residents at Avondale Heights to continue to maintain social distancing.  Additional staff will be brought into the home as we continue to support the wellbeing of our residents by keeping you connected via video calls and window visits where possible.

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.

As part of our proactive approach, a Family & Friends Vaccination Clinic Hub at the Doutta Galla Footscray RSL Building, 48 Geelong Rd Footscray, has been set up to facilitate access to the free Pfizer vaccinations for families and friends of residents.  The first dose will be available on 13 October 2021, and the second dose will be available on 3 November 2021.  If you are wanting a vaccine please do not delay in contacting our Administration Team for further details and to make a booking. Conversely you can click here to Book your vaccine appointment | Coronavirus Victoria through the state run services.

We will advise you immediately of any changes to your family member’s health status.  If you have an enquiry or concern about your family member or to make contact with them via video call or to set up a window visit please call Avondale Heights 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.

Yours sincerely,

Vanda Iaconese

CEO