COVID-19 update | Temporary Lockdown | 6 January 2022

I write to provide an update on the evolving COVID situation in our region and specifically here at Aberlea. As you will be aware there have been an increasing number of confirmed cases locally and we here at Aberlea have unfortunately not been immune.

We have had several staff over the past week take precautionary PCR tests in relation to their close contact status, with the majority proving negative. We were however informed late last night of a positive result returned by a staff member who worked in the facility on the 31st of December.

As such, and in consultation with the Department of Health, we have enacted our COVID Management Plan and have placed the facility into a temporary lockdown. Encouragingly all residents are checked for symptoms twice daily and there has been no indication of COVID infection amongst them. It is also worth noting that all residents have received the COVID vaccine and booster.

With that being said, out of an abundance of caution all residents have today received PCR tests. To compliment this all residents and staff will shortly receive a RAT test. Once these test results are returned, we will provide an update. The best outcome would see us reopening to the public early next week.

Families will be contacted by our resident liaison team today who will work through any individual implications for you and your loved one in the short term. Further, you can call the Aberlea Covid Assistance number on 0491 905548 at any time for information.

Finally, we will be holding an information session online tomorrow (Friday 7th January) at 11.00am via Microsoft Teams. If you would like to attend, please email Debi McAuliffe via rlo@aberlea.com.au