28 January 2022
Keppel House update
Merewether East (upstairs)
Since our last update to you, a further two residents in Merewether East have tested positive to COVID-19 via rapid antigen testing. We are now awaiting their PCR tests results. Please note that the families of these residents have been notified.
Further testing of residents in Merewether East will take place on Monday and Thursday next week and the local Public Health Unit (PHU) has advised that residents in this area are required to stay in their rooms for now. Following testing on Thursday, the local PHU will provide us with further advice on whether residents may be able to leave their rooms and when visitors may be permitted to this area. If you would like to book a video or phone call with your loved one, please contact our team,
Merewether West (upstairs) and Dudley (all downstairs)
On the advice of the local Public Health Unit, we conducted rapid antigen testing of residents in Merewether West and Dudley. Pleasingly, all tests returned negative results. In welcome news, this means that as of tomorrow, residents will be able to leave their rooms.
In addition, visits to these areas will be allowed from Monday 31 January, however they must be pre-booked. Visiting times will be between 9am and 12pm and 1pm and 4pm on weekdays, with five visitors per hour. Please note that the number of visitors allowed at any one time is restricted to enable management of capacity limits.
While this is very welcome news, we do ask that you follow our visitation guidelines and remain vigilant at this time. With increasing numbers of COVID-19 in our local communities, it is important that we all take steps to help keep everyone safe. Please also note that we are encouraging visitors to get their booster vaccine if they are eligible to do so.
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.
Visiting guidelines at this time (applies to John Read House, Dudley wings and Mereweather West wing only)
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
We thank you for your ongoing support and understanding.