13/12/2021
13th December, 2021
RE: COVID-19 DIRECTIVES for visiting Residential Aged Care
Dear Families and friends,
As you would be aware the Tasmanian border will be open to interstate visitors from the 15th December 2021.
As a tourist / holiday destination we will see an influx in our population especially over the next few months.
The Director of Public Health has signed an updated Direction for Residential Aged Care Facilities
No. 17 under the section 16 of the Public Health Act 1997.
The following will apply from the 15th December, 2021:
• All persons entering the facility must wear a surgical mask, this includes children under the age of 12 where practicable and complete the screening tool.
• All visitors must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or present evidence of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to visiting the facility.
• Testing requirement applies to all, regardless of age, (exception for infants up to 1 mth old)
• No exemptions for a medical contraindication
• End-of-life, an exemption will be discussed
Given the increased workload for staff to monitor vaccination status and/or negative PCR testing results fall within the required 72 hrs prior to visiting, all visiting is to be pre-booked. This includes weekends, those without a booked visiting time will not be granted entry to the facility.
To assist, administration staff will add vaccination status to a data base for those who are fully vaccinated to assist with a timely entry to the building.
For those who are unvaccinated, decline to undertake a PCR test or wear a surgical mask will not be granted entry to the facility. The option of window, courtyard visits and skype calls will be available. If you choose to take a relative on an outing, I would strongly suggest that they wear a mask to minimise the risk of introducing COVID-19 to other residents and staff in the facility.
The directives will continue to change and we will endeavor to keep you updated, please continue to read the notices on the entrance doors and facebook. I will also ask that you pass this information onto your family and friends who may wish to visit over the festive holiday season.
If you any questions please call the facility on 0363 761 355
Kind Regards,
Deborah Austen
CEO