15 July 2020 

Dear Residents, Families and Friends, 

I am writing to advise you that late this morning we received notification that a staff member from Doutta Galla’s Footscray Aged Care Home has tested positive to COVID-19. The staff member last worked Monday 13 July 2020. 

At this time, we do not have other staff or residents showing any symptoms of COVID 19. However, we are closely monitoring this situation. I understand that our staff member is resting at home and our thoughts are with them and their family. 

As a consequence, Doutta Galla has activated its emergency response plan and is be working with the relevant state and federal government authorities to ensure we continue to follow protocols for contact tracing and testing. The Public Health Unit has advised that testing for residents and staff will occur on site at 11 am tomorrow. Residents and family members will be advised of test results as soon as they are available. 

Until the tests are completed and results known, and until we receive notification that the site remains COVID-19 free, we will encourage residents at Footscray to remain in their rooms where they will also receive meals. Staff will wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when attending to residents. We have brought in additional staff to support the home and remain committed to ensuring residents are comfortable as we work our way through this time. 

Our staff have been briefed and are committed to the ongoing care and support of our residents. Staff have been trained, and are regularly monitored, to ensure the highest standard of infection control practices are in place. A deep clean of the home will occur this evening and we will continue with our enhanced cleaning protocols. 

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 Footscray home on 9687 6744 or on a new extra number which is 8580 2447. The email address for written questions or concerns is covid19questions@dgas.org.au. 

With the high number of COVID-19 cases being reported every day in Victoria we are reminded that this pandemic is not over and will be with us for some time. We urge you to follow the advice from the Chief Health Officer and stay safe. 

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
CEO