COVID-19 update

At this time of year, we see increased family visitation and social engagements with Christmas parties and events. This additional foot traffic within our homes does leave us potentially vulnerable to outbreaks and we would request your help in remaining vigilant in our efforts to curb the spread of the virus within our homes.

With COVID-19 outbreaks on the rise in Queensland, we have been prompted to implement additional measures to protect the health and well-being of our residents and staff in line with the the Department’s updated COVID-19 advice for people in residential aged care homes and visitors (updated 4 December 2023)

Please note:

• All staff and visitors must complete a Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) before entry on every occasion, with the option to test from home.
• Please monitor for symptoms. If you display symptoms, stay home and complete a RAT.
• If you have tested positive to COVID-19 in the past 7 days, please do not visit a residential aged care home.
• If you have been in contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19 in the past 7 days, please do not visit a residential aged care home.
• If you are unwell, including with a fever or symptoms of acute respiratory illness (such as a cough, sore throat, running nose, shortness of breath), please do not visit a residential aged care home.
• It is recommended for all staff and visitors that they keep up with their vaccinations & boosters.

All staff and visitors must complete a Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) before entry on every occasion. Testing is a crucial tool in identifying and isolating cases promptly. All of our homes have an ample supply of RAT tests and we are willing to offer test kit boxes for individuals to take home, enabling them to test before coming on site.

We are intensifying our cleaning protocols, including daily touch-point cleaning for handrails and hard surfaces.

Please ensure you are maintaining good hygiene practices, including regularly washing hands and using hand sanitiser upon entry, and within our homes.

Where possible we request that family gatherings take place in fresh air, with open ventilation.

Please monitor for symptoms. If you experience symptoms or witness anyone within our community with symptoms, please report them immediately to our staff.

If an exposure or outbreak occurs at any of our homes, we will activate our COVID management plans and protocols at the home using a risk-based assessment approach. This may include the requirement for staff at the home to wear a facemask including other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). We will continue to communicate any requirements for each home at that time.

If you have any concerns or other enquiries concerning our COVID-19 safe approach, please contact us on 1800 899 300 or email outbreak.updates@sccqld.com.au

We thank you for your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines to ensure the continued safety of our community.