Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

Covid update - 23 November 2020

Yesterday, the Premier announced a further easing of COVID-19 restrictions as part of the state’s roadmap to a “covid normal” situation across Victoria.

We’ve looked closely at the new rules and this is what they mean for life at Weary Dunlop and Nellie Melba:

• Face masks are no longer required outdoors if you can stay 1.5m from other people. Masks are still required indoors, while shopping, using public transport, sharing a ride or on a group outing, and while visiting our care centre or hospital.
• Security at the front gates will be removed, but we still require all visitors to go through the COVID-19 screening at reception. Family members can now deliver groceries and other items directly to residents once they’ve been screened. 
• Each day a household can receive up to 15 visitors from any number of other households. A density limit of 1 person per 4m2 applies, and social distancing of 1.5m is recommended. Masks must be worn during visits.
• With supermarkets now more accessible, the free meals we have provided to all serviced apartment residents throughout the pandemic will be discontinued. This change will take effect this Saturday 28 November, at which time we will automatically recommence paid meal services for those residents who have selected this option. If you have enjoyed receiving meals and would like them to continue, please let your Serviced Apartments Coordinator know and we will make the necessary arrangements.
• Entertainers will return to the villages, but audiences are bound by a maximum group size of 20 people.
• Activities will recommence for a maximum group size of 20 people indoors and within the 1 person per 4m2 density limit.
• Outings will recommence for a maximum of 10 people socially distancing and wearing a mask while travelling together.
• Happy Hour size limits have increased, with a maximum of 150 people now allowed indoors in groups of 20 people. Within a density limit of 1 person per 4m2. a venue may accommodate a maximum of 300 people, indoors and outdoors, so we will work to safely maximise our numbers. A density limit of 1 person per 2m2 applies outdoors. 
• The bowling green can now accommodate as many people as will fit within the density limit of 1 person per 4m2. 
• The gym can now reopen for a maximum class size of 20, with the density limit of 1 person per 4m2. This means Triple A classes can recommence within those limits.
• Billiards and indoor table tennis can now recommence.  
• Welfare calls will come to an end unless you would like them to continue. Your welfare caller will discuss this with you when they call this week.
• Your home care providers, cleaners, and others contracted who provide support may now recommence their services.  

We’re so pleased to be able to make these big strides towards village life as we knew it, and over the coming weeks we’ll slowly ramp back up some of the other services and entertainment we know you’ve missed.

We remain mindful, though, that we need to move forward with a degree of caution.

As we know from our own experience in late June, and from what we’ve seen in South Australia in recent days, the COVID-19 situation can unravel quickly and without warning.

None of us wants to experience another harsh lockdown, so we’ll continue to keep the safety of our residents and village teams at the forefront of any decisions we make.

Stay safe,

Paul Sutton

Victorian Operations Manager

For queries contact 1800 288 299 or email residentsupport@rymanhealthcare.com

Handy links:

https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
https://www.vic.gov.au/coronavirusresponse
https://www.rymanhealthcare.com.au/wellness
https://www.rymanhealthcare.com.au/coronavirus-updates