23 July
Rapid antigen testing extended during high community transmission rates – don’t forget to complete our quick survey!
We wanted to provide an update on rapid antigen testing for Whiddon Easton Park employees. While community transmission rates remain high, we have extended the rapid antigen to go past the initial two-week trial period. All employees who have taken this test have returned negative results to date. No residents or employees at Whiddon have tested positive to the virus. Please note that from time-to-time we may need to take additional precautions, such as staff wearing full PPE, if we have been advised to do so by Public Health. This may be until we can better understand any risk relating to potential casual or close contacts. Please be reassured that if any resident or employee tests positive to COVID-19 we would make contact with you.
Rapid antigen tests are taken on-the-spot and deliver a result in just ten minutes. They are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, and under supervision of a registered nurse, employees have been trained to administer the tests themselves and should a positive result be detected, the employee must then take a standard diagnostic test in line with Government advice.
Employees are encouraged to have the test when they come on shift. Research has shown that the frequency of the testing is the most important factor in controlling the spread of infection.
We are proud to bring this industry leading initiative to Whiddon Easton Park as it adds a very important layer of increased protection for residents and employees against COVID-19.
As a reminder – we ask you to please complete our short survey on rapid antigen testing. We appreciate your time in completing this and your feedback is important to us. You can access the survey by clicking HERE.