On a day that has seen 147 cases reported for the Kiama LGA in the 24 hours to last night, Council has reported that a small number of residents, visitors and staff of the Blue Haven Bonaira Aged Care Facility have had positive test results and the situation is being managed carefully.

CEO Jane Stroud says while continuing the current COVID precautions (including stopping visits to and from the aged care home) is regrettable, it is important to ensure the health and safety of our residents, visitors and staff.

“The number of people who have tested positive is small, but our full safety measures are all in place,” Ms Stroud said.

“Like other aged care providers and communities, our facility is experiencing an increase in close contacts and has returned one positive result from a resident.

“Our safety measures include locking down our residential aged care home and isolating each of the wings of our home from each other as well.”

Ms Stroud said the resident who tested positive has been isolated and given dedicated care and support.

A visitor who tested positive recently is in isolation outside the facility, as are seven staff who have returned positive tests despite being vaccinated.

“The important thing is that all our residents continue to be well cared for and supported and can rely on our safety measures,” says Ms Stroud.

“We’re ensuring they are can still enjoy life as close to normal as possible during this period, and we encourage family and friends to stay in touch with their loved ones via phone or online.

“We also are making sure all our staff, including those who are in isolation, are getting the support they need too.”

The safety measures are all in line with guidelines and advice from the Australian and NSW health authorities and industry standards.

“This is a stressful time for everyone, especially those with loved ones in aged care homes,” says Ms Stroud.

“I want to assure our residents and their loved ones that you are getting the very best of care, and we’ll keep you up-to-date as we manage these safety measures.”

All residents who opted-in have been vaccinated against COVID, and half of that number have already received their boosters. Staff of Blue Haven are required by Federal Government legislation to be vaccinated, although the booster has not yet been mandated for aged care workers.

Family and friends with questions or concerns can contact Blue Haven on 4203 4055.