At the time of writing, the directions stated:

Until at least 11.59pm on Wednesday 23 December 2020:

• all residential aged care facilities across NSW must exclude visitors. Visitors performing essential caring functions may be exempted. Where there are exceptional circumstances (for example, a dying relative), seek advice from your local NSW Health public health unit on 1300 066 055
• all staff and exempted visitors must wear a surgical mask while in a residential aged care facility.

NSW public orders and guidance from the Chief Health Officer must be followed and applied across the state at this point in time. This means that the current NSW Health advice supersedes national guidance in the Industry Code for Visiting Residential Aged Care Homes during COVID-19 and the COVID-19 Escalation Tiers and Aged Care Provider Responses.

Support for residents
The Australian Government considers the personal welfare and mental health of residents in residential aged care facilities to be of vital importance.

Where visit restrictions are in place, as they are currently across NSW, arrangements should be put in place for residents and their families to regularly communicate. If residents are not able to get together with their loved ones during the festive season providers can:

• ensure residents can continue to move freely around the facility wherever possible to ensure personal welfare and mental health
• help facilitate phone calls or video conferencing between residents and families when possible
• continue to run / expand their usual activities for residents

Further information and advice
Please visit the Australian Government Department of Health website for information and resources to assist in preparing and managing a COVID-19 outbreak.

‘Department of Health

If you are a Resident Representative, Resident or Primary Contact – Moran will communicate with you direct via email, telephone, sms or CareApp.  If you have any concerns please speak with the General Manager of  your Moran Home.