COVID-19

On September 22^nd “NSW reached a coronavirus milestone when health authorities failed to find a locally acquired case for the first time in more than 100 days.”

Numbers in the community are decreasing but the disease is circulating, especially in Sydney’s west and south-west.  Health authorities revealed a Silver Service driver worked for up to 10 days earlier this month while infectious.

Dr Kerry Chant Chief Health Officer for NSW is still advising that visitor restrictions remain in place for residential aged care facilities – for now. This has meant that Acacia, Strathdale and Willowood Centres continue to be closed to visitors.

Compassionate visits for residents who are palliative are available.  These visits will operate with the approval of the Facility Services Manager and are on a case by case basis.

Bus tours will soon be available for Residents in our Sydney facilities. Dates are being confirmed however the number of participants will be restricted per tour to ensure social distancing and  Residents will not leave the bus for the period of the tour but will drive through different locations accompanied by a Columbia staff member. 

With better weather and school holidays ahead we are entering a high risk period with increased community mobility. We are all being encouraged to get tested – NSW Health’s Jeremy McAnulty said it was critical testing levels remained above 20,000 a day to “keep the pandemic at bay”.

“For the sake of your friends and family, get a test,” Dr McAnulty said.

Thank you for your support as we look to protect the Residents and our staff at this time. 

Stay safe.

Tiffany