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Updated NSW Health Advice – Updated 11 October 2021

Dear Family Members and Contacts of Residents at Peninsula Villages,

We wrote to you last Thursday afternoon with the latest update.

At that time we indicated that advice, from the NSW Department of Health, might change over the weekend.

The advice has changed slightly and so we are sending you this UPDATE this morning.

As COVID-19 restrictions wind down for the community, changes are also occurring for residential aged care facilities. For the most current guidelines visit:

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/racf-latest-advice.aspx

Changes will again be updated as we reach 80% full vaccination status. Please check regularly for updates.

Effective from TODAY the Public Health Order and NSW Health Advise the following for aged care facilities.

Visitors

From 11 October 2021 residents are permitted to have two visitors per day provided: It is important to understand that this means a maximum of two visitors for that day, NOT two at a time changing throughout the day.

• they are aged 12 years and over AND
• have received a second dose of a COVID vaccination at least 14 days prior to their visit

The NSW Dept of Health also understands and expects that individual residential aged care facilities will have their own additional policies regarding that facility.

Here at Peninsula Villages we are minimising those to the absolute least we can – so that you can have every opportunity to visit your loved ones.

For Visitors to Peninsula Villages, apart from the above direction:

• Visiting hours are strictly 9-4pm Monday to Friday and 9-2pm Saturday and Sunday
• ALL visitors must enter via the main recepton area in PPH, and must sign in using the QR code and check-in
• Must produce a COVID-19 vaccination certificate (either digital or hard copy) or statutary declaration listing the date of their last COVID-19 vaccination as a minimum of 14 days prior to the visit
• Not have travelled outside of the Greater Sydney area (which includes Central Coast, Wollongong, Shellharbour & Blue Mountains LGA)

There is an exception for up to two unvaccinated people to visit a resident for an end of life visit. This must be approved by the Facility Manager prior to the visit. They must always wear a surgical mask and the visit must be solely inside the resident’s room.

All visitors must wear a surgical mask while visiting indoors.

Apart from end of life visits, visits may be permitted in either the resident’s room or an outside area but not in any inside communal areas.

Visitors must not enter an RACF at all if they:

• have been to any close, casual or monitor for symptoms locations in NSW OR Victoria, Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory OR New Zealand in the last 14 days
• have COVID-19 symptoms
• are a close contact of a person with confirmed COVID-19 and are within their isolation period.
• live in a household with a person who is currently isolating.
• are waiting for a COVID-19 test result.

Residents

• Residents are permitted to leave the facility and attend family gatherings or for other reasons but must abide by the current Public Health (COVID-19 General) Order 2021
• There are directions in the Order relating to vaccination requirements. All people aged 16 years and over must be fully vaccinated to visit:
o Hospitality venues such as a café or restaurant
o cinemas
o group classes and activities at recreation facilities
o retail outlets such as shopping centres (not including critical services such as a supermarket or pharmacy)

For the residents of Peninsula Villages:

• Advice is to not leave the facility if they have received only one, or no COVID-19 vaccinations
• MUST complete a risk assessment form before leaving, and again on their return
• To not leave the facility to attend/meet a person (over the aged of 16 years) who has only received one or no COVID-19 vaccinations
• To not attend any gatherings that do not comply with the current gathering limitations for home, and indoor/outdoor venues
• Not travel beyond beyond the Greater Sydney region (which includes Central Coast, Wollongong, Shellharbour & Blue Mountains LGA)
• Not visit a person who has travelled outside of the Greater Sydney region (which includes Central Coast, Wollongong, Shellharbour & Blue Mountains LGA)
• Wear a mask whilst outside the facility.

Facilities must ensure that residents are provided with appropriate PPE and infection control advice if they leave the facility. If a person cannot wear a face mask because of a disability, physical or mental health illness or condition, they must carry either;
• a medical certificate or letter signed by a registered health practitioner (such as a doctor)
• a statutory declaration.