We have received advice today, 23rd December from NSW Health regarding the current COVID-19 situation. As a result of the current cluster in the Northern Beaches, our initial COVID-safe Christmas Plans have had to be amended. There have been no cases of COVID-19 at any of Whiddon’s care homes.
Until at least Wednesday, 30 December 2020 the following directives are in place:
- Up to two visitors per day are permitted to visit residents in residential aged care facilities in Greater Sydney (including local Government areas of Central Coast and Wollongong). Visitors from the Northern Beaches LGA are excluded.
- All staff and visitors must wear a mask in the care facilities
If visits can be delayed and a later festive gathering organised, we do encourage you to consider this if possible.
Outings and Excursions
Residents from residential aged care facilities in Greater Sydney should not leave the facility to attend family gatherings and group excursions unless the visit is essential (such as a medical appointment).
If a resident makes a decision to leave the facility to attend a family gathering or excursion, it is a requirement for the resident to go into 14-day self-isolation upon return.
Our teams have already been working on putting plans into place that will allow residents to connect with their families on Christmas Day. From Skype and Zoom sessions, to phone calls, and across some of our homes we are able to facilitate risk-free visits. Please speak to our team to organise your session.
Please also keep in mind that these measures are directives from NSW Health. Our teams are working extremely hard to keep our residents happy and engaged, with an extra focus on Christmas Day.
If you do have any questions, please call 1300 738 388.