20 August 2021

Dear Resident, Families and Friends

This morning we received notification that a teacher from a local primary school in Shepparton tested positive to Covid-19.  As some staff at Harmony Village have children at this school and for the ongoing protection of our residents and staff, Harmony Village has activated its emergency management plan as a precautionary response.

There is no need to be alarmed as we do not have any staff or residents at Harmony Village who have signs or symptoms of COVID-19.  There is no outbreak at our Harmony Village Home.

Our staff have been briefed and are committed to the ongoing care and support we will be encouraging residents at Harmony Village to remain in their rooms as much as possible until we have further information.  Staff have been trained, and are monitoring, to ensure the highest standard of infection control practices are in place.

Residents will be closely monitored and twice daily COVID screening of each resident will be undertaken.  Staff have already commenced wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE) when attending to you or your family member and we will continue with our enhanced cleaning protocols.

As part of our COVID19 pandemic response, Harmony Village has been actively supporting the COVID19 vaccination program for both our residents and staff.  As well regular asymptomatic testing of staff has been ongoing and occurred as recently as Wednesday 18 August 2021.  All returned negative test results from Wednesday’s testing.  As a precaution though, further testing for residents and staff was undertaken earlier today.  Results will be provided as soon as they are available.

As you know Doutta Galla continues to maintain strong Home entry protocols, requiring staff and emergency visitors or contractors to be temperature checked and to sign a health attestation.  Staff hours have been extended to support the home as we continue to provide the highest standard of care and support to our residents.  All of these measures are part of our emergency management precautionary response.

We will advise you immediately of any changes to your, or your family member’s, health status, however if you have an enquiry or concern about your family member, please call Harmony Village on 03 5831 7921.  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.

We will keep in touch on a regular basis to inform you of any changes to your loved one’s status.

Yours sincerely,

Vanda Iaconese

Vanda Iaconese CEO