Update on Covid 19 precautions – extension of Melbourne lockdown, ECH bring Yam Cha to residents to celebrate Father’s Day during all restrictions

ECH is doing our best to maintain entertain our residents during Melbourne lockdown e.g. Bring Yam Cha to residents on Friday (tomorrow) for Father’s Day celebration. WE REGRETABLY CANNOT INVITE FAMILIES AND GUESTS TO THE FUNCTION DUE TO LOCKDOWN. Please refer to separate email from ECH L&L Team.

Please refer to the attached Victoria Premier statement on 1 September 2021 Slowing The Spread And Keeping Our State Safe | Premier of Victoria to further extend the lockdown with most restrictions including curfew in place except minor relaxation of restrictions in the community:

• Playground now open to children under 12
• Able to travel out 10Km from home for the 5 reasons (only) to leave home
• Outdoor exercises Increase from 2 hours to 3 hours.

Please note ECH as of any other Residential aged care facility is classified as high risk area, we continue obeying the Government guidelines and specific visiting restrictions in aged cares. Please read in conjunction with memo ‘20210816 ECH Update Melbourne lockdown extension and curfew’. Details refer to Department of Health and Human Services Victoria | Aged care sector – COVID-19 (dhhs.vic.gov.au)

There is no change in the restrictions:

• For all end of life visitors / essential carers, please get a Compassion letter from Admin Office if you have not had one yet in case you are checked by Police, and do not visit during Curfew between 9 PM to 5 AM.
• Please note ECH only prints the Victoria public exposure sites and post at the entrance screening station.
• All are required to regularly checking the Victoria public exposure sites  Case alerts – public exposure sites | Coronavirus Victoria and any other States if needed.

ECH remains Covid-free and we want to keep it this way, as a result, we will continue keeping the highest standard and the follow measures are implemented:

• ECH proudly achieve high staff vaccination category 90-100%, please refer to DHHS interactive map Residential aged care worker COVID-19 vaccination rates map | Australian Government Department of Health – nationally 68% Vs ECH 90-100%.
• ECH residents’ vaccination rate improves from last month 59% to 85%.
• ECH starts using electronic EntryTrackr system additional to Victorian QR Code.
• We regularly performing asymptomatic Covid tests at ECH by trained RN for all staff, we further extend to residents, essential workers and visitors (please bring along your Medicare Card).
• Regular training regarding updates of information and infection control competency checking for all staff.
• Provide appropriate and sufficient PPE for any person entering ECH including staff, families, Essential care professionals / workers.
• All staff only working at ECH as per Single Workplace Arrangement (subject to government directives).
• All staff sick leave is monitored, fully investigated and followed up by General Manager / Clinical Care Coordinator to ensure Covid-safe.

In regard to Residents’ outings due to medical appointments / compassionate reasons:

• Residents are required to follow restrictions to all Victorians in Metro Victoria when in the community as per DHHS instructions.
• When return back to ECH to accept ‘Resident Screening and Testing’.
• Answering the screening questions including exposure sites in Victoria due to the massive outbreaks in Victoria.
• Covid 19 swab tests and managed as at risk COVID-19 (isolation at own bedroom) until results known.

Please be vigilant all the times and continue following Covidsafe precautions as of all Nursing Home include wearing of surgical masks, social distance, personal and hand hygiene. DO NOT VISIT if you are feeling unwell, have been to, or have had visitors from any high-risk locations identified by the health authorities.

ECH will continue providing updates of Covid 19 precautions. Please share this update with other family members who may wish to be kept informed. 

Warm regards