On Sunday, a St Agnes’ Care & Lifestyle (SACAL) staff member at St Agnes’ House, which is part of the St Agnes’ site residential aged care services in Lochinvar Place, tested positive for COVID-19.

St Agnes’ Catholic Parish Chief Executive Officer Adam Spencer says the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents and staff at St Agnes’ site is of the highest priority and everything possible is being done to contain the situation as quickly and safely as possible.

“At this stage, no-one else at the site is unwell, however, all residents are isolating in their rooms and further testing is underway for residents and staff at St Agnes’ House,” said Mr Spencer.

“As soon as the case was confirmed, we activated our Outbreak Management Plan, which was developed to manage such a situation.”

“Strict protocols are in place to support the effectiveness of this plan including additional precautions for infection prevention and control such as the wearing of personal protection equipment (PPE), no visitors and only essential personnel being allowed on site.”

SACAL staff are working closely with the relevant health authorities, particularly Mid North Coast Health Public Health Unit, to manage the situation and to minimise the spread of infection.

All staff are fully vaccinated per Public Health Orders and most residents took advantage of the vaccination clinics run this year at the St Agnes’ site with some having already received booster shots.

“We are monitoring the situation closely and our dedicated, professional staff will continue to deliver safe, quality care and services to all residents,” concluded Mr Spencer.

“We thank our residents, their families and friends for their understanding and will be communicating with them regularly to ensure they are kept up to date.”

Further information is available on the St Agnes’ Care & Lifestyle website at: www.sacal.org.au.