On 12 April the Victorian Premier announced that the State of Emergency in Victoria would be extended for another four weeks until midnight 11 May 2020. The extension continues the measures designed to give the state’s health system the best chance of managing the coronavirus.
In this continued State of Emergency, Castlemaine Health has extended the lockdown in our residential aged care homes until midnight 11 May 2020. The lockdown was originally due to expire on 13 April. However, it remains essential for the protection and safety of our residents, and the frontline staff who care for them. The lockdown will be reviewed shortly before 11 May and any decision to maintain or alter the lockdown status will be communicated to you.
During the lockdown:
- Visitors cannot enter our aged care homes to see relatives in person
- Residents cannot leave their residence for visits or excursions.
End of life visits may be agreed on compassionate grounds only in discussion with the Nurse Unit Manage. In these cases, the visitor must have sought agreement in advance and will be expected to wear full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the duration of the visit.
While the lockdown continues, we are supporting our staff to make the most of technology to help residents maintain contact with families. We are also developing new activities to help residents stay connected. These include a Pen Pal project supported by the Rotary Club of Castlemaine and series of musical performances that residents can enjoy without leaving their homes.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding. We are doing our utmost to protect the health and safety of those in our care, our staff and community.
