8 December 2021
We are pleased to let you know that the results of the PCR tests taken by employees and residents at Taylor House who were identified as contacts of the employee with COVID-19, are all negative.
While further testing of these employees and residents will be required in the coming days, this is welcome news. We continue to work closely with the local Public Health Unit in managing our response and following their recommendations.
Our COVID-19 response plan is robust and ensures we prioritise the safety of residents and employees. The Public Health Unit has confirmed there is no requirement for employees at Taylor House to self-isolate at this stage and as such all employees not directly impacted can continue to come to work and attend their normal shifts.
Rapid Antigen Testing
We strongly recommend that all employees take a rapid antigen testing prior to entering the building at the start of their shift. This adds an important layer of protection at this time, in addition to our robust screening protocols. Testing stations will be set up in each care home.
Main kitchen and stores employees will need to take their tests in the testing station outside the kitchen. Laundry and maintenance employees will test at a station set up outside the laundry.
All employees, across all shifts will need to test in the presence of another employee and must show them their test result before being able to enter their workplace.
Other important information
- Whilst the above is good news it is important that you continue to monitor communications to keep well informed. For those of you that may have a secondary employer, in particular in Aged Care we recommend that you speak with your manager at that service about the situation and seek guidance in relation to attending shifts at their service.
- You must not work in more than one site at Easton Park or more than one residential aged care facility
- For now, as previously communicated the Public Health Unit has not recommended employees at Taylor House to self-isolate and as such all employees not directly impacted can continue to come to work and attend their normal shifts.
- Employees are reminded that they must check in upon entry as per the NSW Directive. Please also ensure that you use you HumanForce app to sign in when you arrive at work. This also assists us to monitor who was on site at any given time as part of any contact tracing requirements.
- All employees must wear face shields in all of our care homes
- Employee smoking areas will be designated for each building, which had been in place previously
- This is a timely reminder to all of us to obtain our COVID-19 Booster vaccination if we are eligible to do so. Booster shots are recommended for those who received their second COVID-19 Vaccination 6 months ago. Please send your evidence of your Booster vaccine to payroll@whiddon.com.au
What this update means for Sir David Martin, Arthur Webb Court and Easton Park Units
We are able to welcome back visitors to these care homes and resident activities can now resume. Visitors will only be able to attend one of these care homes as they are not permitted to go between other care homes on our campus for now. Bookings for visits are essential and there are important guidelines that our visitors must follow.
Next steps
We will provide a further update to you once the results of the additional testing has come through, which is likely to be on Friday. If anything changes, we will update you sooner.
We do hope this update provides you with some reassurance and we genuinely thank you for your understanding, support and work you are doing.