As occurs in the winter months, it is anticipated this year Australia will see an increase in respiratory viruses such as influenza, as well as in COVID-19 cases.

The health, safety and wellbeing of residents and staff remain our priority, and we appreciate your continued support with the measures we are taking to make our Homes the safest possible place for our residents and staff. Visits are vital in maintaining an emotional and physical connection for our residents. St Basil’s will continue to support these visits wherever we can.

Vaccination requirements for entering our Homes
In an effort to prevent, control and minimise risk of infection in our Homes, St Basil’s requests that all visitors are fully vaccinated with the 2022 influenza vaccine and the third dose COVID vaccine (booster). This means that visitors need to provide St Basil’s with documented evidence to enter a residential aged care facility. As of Wednesday 1st June, visitors will be required to show evidence of their third dose COVID (booster) vaccination, and evidence of their 2022 influenza vaccination.

Providing evidence of your vaccinations
We will be requesting evidence of your current vaccinations either prior to you visiting or at the time of your visit. For support in obtaining your immunisation history statement as evidence of vaccinations, visit Service Australia’s fact sheet on their website.

You can send evidence of your vaccinations to the relevant Home using the email address below.

Annandale: annandale@stbasils.org.au Tel: 02 9152 8400
Kensington: kensington@stbasils.org.au Tel: 02 9313 7129
Kogarah: kogarah@stbasils.org.au Tel: 02 9588 9000
Lakemba: lakemba@stbasils.org.au Tel: 02 9784 3200
Miranda: miranda@stbasils.org.au Tel: 02 8543 2000
Randwick: randwick@stbasils.org.au Tel: 02 9152 8300

Note that NSW Health advises that the 2022 influenza vaccine can be given on the same day or at any time before or after their winter COVID-19 booster. In exceptional or special circumstances, it may be possible to enter the facility where the visitor is providing essential care, or for compassionate reasons.

You can find more information about the influenza vaccine including in other languages, at Australian Department of Health’s website – https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/flu-influenza

Other requirements to enter our Homes as per NSW Health
• Residents are permitted to have two (2) fully COVID vaccinated visitors aged 12 years and over, plus two (2) children aged under 12 years per day
• Visitors aged 12 years and over must have received a second dose of a COVID vaccination at least 14 days prior to their visit
• Visitors must have a negative Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) immediately prior to each visit onsite sighted by St Basil’s staff
• Up to 2 children under 12 years are permitted to visit provided they are accompanied by a person fully vaccinated against COVID-19
• All visitors must wear an N95 or P2 mask over their nose and mouth as well as a face shield, while visiting indoors. For reasons when masks can be removed please see Additional Advice – Mandatory mask wearing
• Visitors must be escorted to and from their allocated visiting space by staff, and visitors must not wander around to greet other residents.
• People who are providing a service to the resident (including a health or other professional service) are not counted as a visitor
• Existing requirements in the Public Health (COVID-19 Care Services) Order 2022 on visiting residents who are at end of life remain in place

Visitors must not enter a RACF at all if they:
• Have COVID-19 symptoms
• Have been exposed to COVID-19 unless they have completed their self-isolation and testing requirements. People who have had high risk exposures should not enter high risk settings for at least 14 days since their exposure to a COVID-positive person
• Are waiting for a COVID-19 test result
• Have been overseas in the previous 14 days, unless they are:

o Fully vaccinated against COVID-19, it has been at least 7 days after arrival and they have received a negative rapid antigen test 6 days or later after arriving in NSW

The health and safety of residents and our workers are at the heart of all that we do. Thank you for your patience and cooperation in keeping our workplace and residents safe through the winter season ahead.

We always welcome your feedback and are happy to discuss any queries you may have, so feel free to reach out the General Manager or Care Manager of our Homes.

Head office management can be reached on 02 9784 3200 or by email at admin@stbasils.org.au