Kempsey Shire aged care homes have taken preventative measures to ensure the safety of residents in light of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.
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Although the Mid North Coast Local Health District have recorded no positive cases of COVID-19 in the Macleay, preventative steps are being encouraged by health professionals to stop the spread of the virus and to protect at risk members of the community.
A number of aged care facilities in the area have stepped up their cleaning and disinfecting routines and increased hygiene practices for residents and staff.
Chief Executive Officer with NVC Group John Butler said Cedar Place Age Care Facility in Kempsey have postponed visits from community members to protect residents.
"The elderly are vulnerable and are more at risk than other demographics," he said.
"We, and a number of other aged care facilities in the area, have put a hold on visits from the community. We want to keep the facilities virus free and ensure residents, staff and the community are safe."
Aged care facilities are monitoring the situation and reviewing the restrictions placed on visits on a daily basis.
"We want to make this as short term as possible, but our biggest responsibility is the safety and health of the residents.
"We are dealing with visits on a case by case basis as there are special circumstances and different individual situations regarding visits," Mr Butler said.
"We are encouraging phone calls and video calls and staff are assisting residents in contacting family members while in person visitations have been put on hold."
Anyone with any questions regarding visitations at aged care facilities in the Macelay are being asked to contact the facility directly.
On Wednesday, March 18 Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced visitors and staff will not be permitted to enter an aged care facility if they are:
- People who have returned from overseas in the last 14 days
- Those who have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days
- Those with fever or symptoms or acute respiratory infection and symptoms
- Those who have not been vaccinated against influenza after the 1st of May
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