5th August 2025
Dear Residents, Family and Friends,
Exciting news for the Maroba Family…yes you guessed it …Masks will no longer be required from Wed 6th August.
Latest update: Our infection control team have come together earlier this week to discuss current respiratory infections onsite.
- Maroba has not had any active cases since 31/7/25.
- It has been 3.5weeks since the initial Rhinovirus
- During the outbreak, only one had Rhino & Covid, the rest had Rhinovirus (Common Cold) -All residents have recovered well.
- We have not had any other infections, such as influenza, RSV during this time
- Staff have been following infection control protocols well and number of staff off has also reduced
Our Infection control team is recommending coming out of mask on 6/8/2025, which will be 7days post last infection. Sounds good to me!
This does not mean the risk of infection throughout the community has subsided…you may note that only a week ago our Local Health District had to close access to beds due to the overflow of hospitalised people with Respiratory infections. Let me remind all visitors to Maroba to get vaccinated, stay vigilant and follow all reasonable instructions to keep our entire community safe from communicable diseases such as Influenza, Covid, RSV, Rhinovirus, Pneumonia and Shingles just to name a few.
New residents may not have their vaccinations up to date, so it is very important to consider accepting the vaccination services offered here at Maroba.
Our multi-pronged approach works, so we ask that you do not visit if you are unwell or have even the slightest respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms. Keep testing and make sure you remind other family members of the requirement for RAT testing to visit Maroba. We are depending on you and trust you will co-operate with these precautions for the sake of everyone not just your loved one.
Current COVID/ Respiratory Illness guidelines at Maroba:
For Residents
- Residents undergo a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) when they are symptomatic and if there has been an exposure to a Covid positive person or if there is high risk within our community. PCR testing is being carried out if the RAT is negative and the resident has ongoing symptoms. If an outbreak occurs, then all residents in that area will undergo testing for respiratory illness. Please know that if your family member tests positive to any of the respiratory illnesses tested, we will update you as soon as possible by phone.
Be aware that if a resident while isolating wishes to go out for a drive, social outing with family or a medical appointment then they should wear a mask to prevent the spread of the virus. If attending a medical appointment, you must advise the clinic of the current infection as they may need to postpone it.
For Visitors
- all regular visitors need only undertake a RAT test once a week unless you have been travelling, attending large events or have been exposed to any person with Covid or other Respiratory Infection. I suggest it be on your first visit of the week being Monday to Sunday. All other visitors who are not regularly visiting we ask that you undertake a RAT prior to every visit. RATs are available at Reception and at the front door.
- Please write the date of the test on the RAT cartridge before taking a photo or placing it in a secure clear bag. Keep a photo of your RAT test on your phone as proof and present it to reception or a staff member after hours. Free RAT kits are still available at our reception, please feel free to take some home to test before your visit. Do not leave the kits in your car as they must be kept at a stable temperature to be effective.
- No restrictions on the number of visitors to Non Covid effected residents.
- There are no visiting hours however for the safety of our residents the doors are locked from sunset until sunrise. During these times visitor access is by pressing the call button at the entrance, so a staff member is aware of your arrival and can let you in…please be patient! Dinner commences around 5.00pm and after dinner residents are usually settling in for the night. Arrangements can be made with staff if you are taking your loved one out during these hours to have easy access on your return.
For Staff, Volunteers, Contractors, Agency Staff & Students –
- Our staff, volunteers, students and Agency Staff will continue to RAT test as per staff notices before coming onsite at Maroba.
- Volunteers, Contractors, Agency Staff, and Students will continue to check in using our new ‘Loop Safe’ Electronic Check in system.
If you have concerns with our approach, please call us to discuss. Alternatively, you can contact:
- Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) on 1800 700 600
- The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on 1800 951 822
- Senior Rights Service 1800 424 079
For additional information, please contact reception at
4935 0300 during office hours or email us at enquiries@maroba.om.au.
Other exciting news is that Phoebe van Bentum, our new CEO has started and can’t wait to meet you. We have organised a few opportunities for that to occur including afternoon tea in the Manor on 12/08 and the Lodge on 13/08 from 1:30pm. Families and residents welcome to drop in and say Hello!
2025.08.05 #201 August Covid Update