Year: 2023

Dear families

We’re very pleased to confirm that the COVID situation at Kyogle has settled and the COVID positive residents in Richmond and Lindsey have finished their individual room isolation.

We can now return to NON-Outbreak visiting status. This requires a Negative RAT and successful screening questions prior to entry.

All visitors will continue to be required to wear a Facemask and Face Shield at all stages when in the facility until there is a reduction to the ongoing escalating Community COVID cases.

Again, thank you so much for your continued support and understanding!

The Whiddon Team

We wish to advise all families of the following COVID compliance requirements, including updated information on visitor numbers and a change in the requirement to pre-book visitation.

Visitors to a Care Home:

Visitors cannot enter a care home if they have tested positive for COVID in the last 10 days and until they are symptom free. The NSW Government’s recent changes  to self-isolation periods do not apply to Aged Care facilities.

Visitors are required to return a negative test immediately prior to entering the home. Visitors who provide essential care and visit the home every day, may undertake second daily testing. However, in the event of an outbreak at the home testing will need to be conducted daily.

Limitations on Numbers of Visitors

During periods of low community transmission and when the home does not have an active outbreak, visitors no longer need to make bookings in advance. We are also pleased to let you know that there is no longer a restriction on the number of visitors that your loved one can have each day. However, Whiddon recommends that group bookings are planned ahead, and that visitors contact the service so that you can reserve an area to accommodate your group size.

• Where possible, visits should be held outdoors or in well-ventilated areas away from other residents. This is particularly important for gatherings of more than 2 visitors.
• All visitors over 12 years of age must wear a mask over their nose and mouth while visiting indoors.
• As a precaution we ask that visitors maintain social distancing to help maintain resident safety.
• Visitors should remain with their loved one and not move between different areas of the facility. We ask that you remain in your loved one’s room or at the same outdoor location during your visit.

In the event of a COVID Outbreak at your loved ones care home, changes to visitation may occur, including the requirement to pre-book visits in advance.

We take this opportunity to thank all our residents, families, and staff for your continued support.

The Whiddon Team