COVID-19 Update

Staying connected during COVID-19 restrictions
Please know that at Killarney Memorial Aged Care we are doing all we can to ensure residents and clients are supported and continue to receive quality care, and that we will support families to stay in contact in a variety of ways.

We understand that families tend to worry when they can’t be here themselves. Our people are working hard to mitigate any sense of isolation for our residents while we practise social distancing.

Residents at KMAC now have access to free high-speed Wi-Fi at our aged care services during the COVID-19 situation. They are able to use this to contact family, use streaming services and access information and support services.

Due to the restrictions that COVID-19 has placed on visits we have allocated dedicated staff to improve communications between families and residents. These staff are able to assist our residents and their families stay in touch through assisted phone, Skype or other electronic means of communication.

Our actions and planning
In line with government advice, KMAC is ensuring appropriate precautions to keep residents and clients as safe as possible from COVID-19, including monitoring, assessment, testing and planning for any disruptions.

All of our staff undergo mandatory training in infection control every year and have completed COVID-19 preparedness training. In addition audits and refreshers are underway alongside regular briefings for staff, residents, clients and families.

We are also:

• implementing strong hygiene measures and providing relevant resources to staff, residents and clients
• continuing to review our policies and procedures, and business continuity plans
• monitoring and communicating with travelling employees, residents and clients
• communicating with third parties who may come into contact with our people
• planning ahead in regard to resources, supplies and other potential disruptions
• monitoring government contingency planning measures
• managing social distancing as appropriate.

Understanding and prevention
What is coronavirus and COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a form of coronavirus and is the name given to the current outbreak which originated in Hubei Province, China. Coronaviruses can cause illness similar to the common cold and can cause more serious diseases. Other types of coronaviruses include Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms can include a fever, cough, sore throat, tiredness and shortness of breath.
Some people who are infected may not get sick at all, some will get mild symptoms from which they will recover easily, and others may become very ill, very quickly.

How is this coronavirus spread?
The coronavirus is most likely to spread from person-to-person through:

• direct close contact with a person while they are infectious
• close contact with a person with a confirmed infection who coughs or sneezes, or
• touching objects or surfaces (such as door handles or tables) contaminated from a cough or sneeze from a person with a confirmed infection, and then touching your mouth or face.

Most infections are only transmitted by people when they have symptoms.

Information and contacts
To ensure we can communicate promptly with members of our KMAC community, please make sure we have your current email address and/or phone number(s).

For the latest advice, information and resources:

• Fact sheets and updates from Department of Health: www.health.gov.au
• National Coronavirus Health Information Line. Call 1800 020 080, 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• QLD Department of Health: www.covid19.qld.gov.au
• Australian Broadcasting Corporation articles and commentary: www.abc.net.au/coronavirus