8 September 2021

Dear Resident, Families and Friends,

I am writing to advise you that this afternoon I received notification that a family member of one of our staff members at our Woornack Home has been identified as a Tier 1 close contact of a confirmed COVID19 case.  The staff member and the family member were both tested yesterday (7 September 2021), and fortunately today both have returned a negative test result.

Although, we do not have any residents or staff at Woornack who have signs or symptoms of COVID-19, and there is no outbreak at Woornack, 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 is being undertaken this afternoon.  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 Woornack has been actively supporting the COVID-19 vaccination program for both our residents and staff.  As well regular asymptomatic testing of staff has been ongoing, and all returned negative test results from recent tests.

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 the test results are completed, and results known, we will encourage residents at Woornack to continue to maintain social distancing.

Additional staff have been 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.  Please contact the home to make a time to have a video call or to set up a window visit.

Fortunately, the majority of residents and staff at our Woornack Home 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 Woornack on 03 9312 0111.  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