Jewish Care has instigated a precautionary lockdown at Gary Smorgon House in Melbourne.
The precaution is being taken as a staff member has recently worked at another aged care home which has been identified by the Victorian Government as having a confirmed COVID-19 case.
The Jewish Care’s staff member has received advice from their other employer that they should test and isolate. The staff member last worked at the other home on Friday 28 May 2021 and then worked at Gary Smorgon House on Sunday night 30 May 2021.
No staff or elders at GSH have been identified to have COVID-19.
Jewish Care has notified the Department of Health and Human Services which has indicated the situation will be escalated for assessment. DHHS supports Jewish Care’s decision that the best course of action is to act decisively and ensure protections are established.
Bill Appleby, Chief Executive Officer said, “We are working extremely closely with state and federal authorities. Asymptomatic testing of staff continued today and we anticipate testing of elders will start tomorrow, 1 June 2021”.
“We will continue to offer supports to all elders, taking every precaution to ensure staff and elder wellbeing”, continued Bill Appleby.
Families are being kept up to date regarding their loved one’s conditions.