Hello to you all
This is an update on the current COVID 19 situation at Abel Tasman Village. As at this morning (31/12/21), we currently have 1 resident who has tested positive to the virus through a PCR test. This was previously reported to you in our last update. The resident is stable and is not exhibiting severe symptoms. We believe this is the result of the resident being triple vaccinated. It is now day 5 since the positive RAT test and day 4 since the positive PCR test. The resident has remained isolated and staff caring for the resident are doing so in complete accord with our Outbreak Management Plan.
As case numbers in the community have risen astronomically, it is not surprising that we have also had a number of staff test positive. Those staff are isolating and close contacts are being managed. We hope all affected staff remain stable given that all staff are double vaccinated, with a large number also triple vaccinated. Any staff member who has tested positive since Boxing Day is deemed to be of low risk as ATV Management had implemented full personal protective equipment usage immediately upon the advice that a staff member had tested positive that day (not on ATV site). That staff member has not worked at ATV since Christmas Eve. ATV is adhering to the Department of Health risk matrix when determining risk levels upon receipt of a positive result.
As part of our Outbreak Management Plan, we have in place agreements with staffing agencies to fill any gaps on our roster. However, those agencies too are being impacted by positive cases. At this stage, we are managing staffing with some changes required to shift times and length.
As per NSW Health direction, we are now in an outbreak situation. This means that ATV is now sectioned into zones and staff are not to cross zones in their work. The Care Manager, the System Support Manager and myself met with NSW Health, Commonwealth Dept of Health, Public Health and Aged Care Quality Commission representatives yesterday and reported all information to them. The Local Health District Aged Care Liaison congratulated the team on the actions taken to date. We will meet with the Government representatives again on Monday and they have also organised for PCR testing for all residents on Tuesday 4th January 2022.
Please be assured we are doing everything possible to protect the residents from exposure. All staff are wearing full personal protective equipment and following all infection control protocols under our Outbreak Management Plan. All staff continue to be RAT tested daily. These tests are conducted separate to the main building so that if there is an issue the staff member can leave the site with little exposure to others. Staff are also receiving onsite PCR testing 3 days per week.
We have been RAT testing residents daily. However, it is recommended that we reduce that frequency and only test individual residents on an ‘as required’ basis. We are monitoring residents continuously for any symptoms and will test as necessary.
As previously requested, we would ask that families not overwhelm the staff with calls or messages wanting updates on loved ones. The RN will not be responding to text messages. We completely understand the level of concern you may have but our priority at the moment, is to give our staff the space to deal with the current situation with as little distraction as possible. Please know that if we feel it necessary we will be contacting family members in relation to other care needs. Your loved one will continue to be well cared for, is being monitored constantly, receiving their meals in their rooms and under the circumstances are well and comfortable. The Lifestyle team is currently undertaking one to one visits to ensure resident emotional wellbeing.
Of course, we hope that we do not see any further resident cases but the current community numbers indicate that there will be a very high risk of ongoing potential exposure. We believe we have the safeguards in place to minimise any risk but the situation is highly unpredictable.
Abel Tasman continues to follow Public Health Unit (PHU) guidelines regarding currently suspending visiting and outings (to be reviewed with PHU based on PCR resident testing Jan 4th) and, unfortunately we will remain in lockdown until further advice.
We will continue to keep you updated and hope you are all remaining safe and well in the community.
Thank you,
ATV management