COVID-19
Please click here for the latest information on COVID-19 from the WA Health Department
COVID19 Update 24/09/2020
Dear All
How quickly the months are flying by and Western Australia remains free of COVID-19 community spread. Spring and summer will be a welcomed change from the rain and wind
we have experienced recently.
Meath continues to be vigilant in regard to COVID-19 and preparedness plans have been developed to support residents and staff in the event of an outbreak.
I know everyone, like myself, hope we don’t get an outbreak but if we do, it’s best to be prepared and I’m seeking your support to update some information and complete consent
forms for your loved one that has been recommended by the Department of Health.
I know this is a very delicate subject, but could I request that families discuss with your loved one their end of life wishes. If these arrangements are not in place, can you provide the
details to us for our records. If you would like more information about this, please contact your Centre Manager or GP for assistance.
If you prefer not to provide this information, can you please email your Centre Manager to confirm this.
I have attached a consent form to be completed to allow for COVID-19 swab testing for your loved one in the event of an outbreak, if you can complete and return to your Centre
Manager by 2October 2020 for our records, this would be appreciated.
In relation to volunteering, if you still wish to do this during a COVID-19 outbreak, may I ask that you email Lynn Asher lynn.asher@meath.org.au by 8 October 2020. Lynn will liaise with you regarding some initial training on personal protective equipment.
There will be no change to the current visiting arrangements which are as follows:
• Monday – Friday 9:00am – 4:00pm
• Saturday- Sunday 10:00am – 3:00pm
Please ensure you leave the Centre at the correct time as staff need to clean the equipment etc. before they can finish their shift.
If you need to visit outside of these hours or wish to take your loved one out, please email your requests to the Centre Manager weekly.
Please feel free to contact myself or your Centre Manager to discuss any concerns you may have.
Thanks to everyone for your co-operation at this time, as we endeavour to keep our residents safe and free from COVID-19.
Take Care.
Kind regards,
OLIVE WRIGHT
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
CONSENT FOR COVID-19 TESTING 
This form is to obtain consent in relation to COVID-19 testing/screening. Please carefully
read and sign the following:
a. I authorise Meath Care/pathology providers to conduct collection and testing for COVID-19 from me or my relative, through a nasopharyngeal swab or blood test, as
ordered by an authorised medical practitioner or public health official.
b. I authorise my/my relatives test results to be disclosed to the state public health unit, or to any other government entity as may be required by law.
c. I acknowledge that a positive test result is an indication that I/my relative must selfisolate and/or wear a mask or face covering as directed to avoid infecting others.
d. I understand Meath Care is not acting as my/my relatives’ medical practitioner, this testing does not replace treatment by my/relatives medical practitioner. In the event
of a positive Covid 19 test result, Meath Care will support you/your relative to seek appropriate medical advice from your or your relatives preferred medical
practitioner.
e. I understand that, as with any medical test, there is the potential for a false positive or false negative COVID-19 test result.
I, the undersigned, have been informed about the test purpose, procedures, possible benefits, and risks, and I have received a copy of Consent. I have been given the
opportunity to ask questions before I sign, and I have been told that I can ask additional questions at any time. I voluntarily agree to this testing for COVID-19.
Date: _____________
First Name _____________________ Last Name___________________________
____________________________________________
Signature of resident or resident’s appointed guardian
Information about the Coronavirus
What is Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)?
It is an infectious disease caused by a novel (newly discovered) coronavirus. COVID-19 cases have now been reported throughout Australia with some areas having community transmission.
Who is at risk of contracting COVID-19?
Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems (such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer) are more likely to develop serious illness.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported, ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness, including hospitalisation and death. Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 include, but are not limited to:
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fever
• Chills
• Muscle pain
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell
When can symptoms appear?
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.
Am I at risk living in resident aged care?
Older adults often with underlying chronic medical conditions, such as residents living in residential aged care, are at the highest risk of being affected by COVID-19. If infected with
the virus that causes COVID-19, residents are at increased risk of serious illness, hospitalisation, and death.
What does the COVID-19 test entail?
A swab (like a long cotton bud) will be put up inside each nostril and at the back of your throat, through your mouth. The swab will then be sent to the laboratory for testing. Results will usually be available within 24-48 hours.
What is the purpose of the COVID-19 test?
The purpose of the test is to confirm if you have become infected with the coronavirus. By completing the test, your doctor will be able to start treatment immediately if your results
are positive.
Please ask question of the management or nurses if you have any further queries or concerns.
