Updates to the State Emergency Management Directions – COVID-19

The South Australian Police Commissioner has updated the Emergency Management Direction 2020 (Residential Aged Care Facilities No 4), with changes effective today.

The current daily visiting times of between 1pm and 3pm remain in place. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation to ensure that all the required screening is completed appropriately prior to your visit.

I am pleased to advise that the Emergency Management (Residential Aged Care Facilities No 4) Direction 2020, has been updated by the South Australian Police Commissioner, as State Coordinator, with changes effective today. Resthaven has been advocating for changes through our liaison with the decision makers for this direction.

It has been updated to preclude individuals from entering a residential aged care facility if they have a temperature higher than 38 degrees Celsius, or have a history of fever or chills in the preceding 72 hours prior to their visit, are experiencing any symptoms of acute respiratory infection, or loss of taste and smell. Our visitor register sign in screening process has been updated to reflect these new requirements.

There is now greater clarity around the term end of life, stating a person’s presence at the premises is for the purpose of an end of life support for a resident for whom death is imminent (likely within 2 weeks).  At Resthaven, this means when a resident has been assessed to have commenced on an End of Life Pathway. There is a factsheet available regarding end of life visits, should this be required.

From today, a prospective resident may enter a residential aged care facility to view a room for occupation. Terms and conditions surround this, including the screening requirements, with restrictions on the number of visitors and time spent on the site.

The updated directions also permit a resident to leave the facility for the purpose of exercise, provided that the person remains within 500 metres of the facility. The following conditions apply to this exemption:

• This exemption is only for the purpose of exercise. Exercise periods of less than 30 minutes are encouraged.
• Residents can exercise in groups of one or two residents, as long as social distancing is maintained.
• Residents are to remain within 500 metres of the site. This is to be regulated by the resident.
• Residents are not to leave the site with the intention to meet a visitor or visitors whilst exercising.
• Residents may not leave the site to walk to a local café for coffee or social catch up with friends or family.
• Residents are requested to advise staff of their intention to exit the building to exercise and again on their return.
• Entry and exit to the site is only to be through the main door.
• Upon return, residents are asked to either wash their hands or utilise hand sanitiser.

Please note that the South Australian Police have the power to impose penalties should an individual breach any requirements of the Emergency Direction.

Thank you for your ongoing support during this extremely difficult time. We will continue to monitor the changing situation and direction in accordance with the South Australian Government and the Federal Department of Health directions.

Please know that we remain committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of the vulnerable, older individuals in our care. Thank you for your support and cooperation.