24 January 2022
Keppel House update
Since our last update to you, a resident in the Merewether wing has tested positive to COVID-19 via rapid antigen testing today. A PCR test will now be undertaken. All other residents tested in the Merewether wing have tested negative to COVID-19 via rapid antigen testing today.
Based on the advice of the local Public Health Unit, visitation to Keppel House will remain restricted at this time. Residents are required to continue to stay in their rooms for now, as a precaution. Visits on compassionate grounds will be permitted on approval, and residents are strongly encouraged to not leave the care home for now.
We understand that this is a challenging time. We want you to know that it is our highest priority to keep everyone in our family safe and well, and we are doing everything we can to achieve this. We also know how important it is that we do everything we can to help keep you connected to your loved one at this time. If you would like to book a video or phone call with your loved one at Keppel House, please contact our team.
The local PHU will advise us as to when we can welcome back visitors to Keppel House. Any decision to isolate or de-isolate is made in close contact with them and we continue to follow their advice.
We will provide another update to you later in the week.
John Read House update
John Read House remains open to visitors, however please note that bookings are required. As a reminder, visits can be booked between 9am and 12pm and 1pm and 4pm on weekdays. Please note that the number of visitors allowed at any one time is restricted to enable management of capacity limits.
The following guidelines are in place:
- Residents may have two visitors per day
- All visitors must wear PPE, including an N95 mask and a face shield, which will be provided to visitors
- Only visitors over 12 years old are permitted and all visitors must have received a second dose of a COVID vaccination at least 14 days prior to their visit
- Visits must not take place in communal areas and wherever possible, visits should occur in an outdoor area
- Visitors will be asked to complete a rapid antigen test as a condition of entry
- Unvaccinated visitors are only permitted to visit a resident who is at the end of life. Please speak to your loved one’s Care Manager directly to gain the necessary approval to visit
Please ensure that you:
- refrain from visiting if you have COVID-19 symptoms
- refrain from visiting if you are a close or casual contact of a person with confirmed COVID-19, unless they have completed their isolation and testing requirements. Close contacts should not enter high risk settings for at least 14 days since their exposure to a COVID-positive person
- do not visit if you have been overseas in the previous 14 days, unless you are fully vaccinated and have received a negative PCR test 7 days or later after arrival in NSW
- refrain from visiting if you are waiting for a COVID-19 test result
- practice good hand hygiene and socially distance
- check in to the Service NSW app AND Whiddon’s check-in system when you visit
If you would like to book in a visit to John Read House, or book a video or phone call with your loved one at Keppel House, please contact our team who are working hard to keep residents connected with their loved ones wherever possible at this time.
We thank you for your ongoing support and understanding.