COVID-19 Update 1 February 2021, 9:30am

In response to confirmation from the State Government on Sunday 31 January 2021 at 12:50pm, that community transmission of COVID-19 exists in Western Australia, this update provides details on Juniper’s response to ensure the best protection for our residents, clients, staff and volunteers.

The WA State Government has declared a full lockdown for the Perth, Peel and South West Regions effective from 6pm Sunday 31 January 2021 through until 6pm Friday 5 February 2021.  The full announcement can be read here.

COVID-19 is highly contagious and protecting the health and safety of our residents, clients, staff and volunteers is our top priority.

Residential Aged Care

This lockdown includes updated WA State Government Directives for aged care providers as outlined in the Visitors to Residential Aged Care Facilities Directions No.5

In line with these Directions, all Juniper Perth metropolitan based Residential Care Facilities will have full visitor restrictions in place from 6pm, Sunday 31st January 2021 through to 6pm Friday 5 February 2021.  Visits will only be permitted for exceptional circumstances, at the discretion of the Residential Manager.

As specified in the Visitors to Residential Aged Care Facilities Directions No.5 , a person must not enter, or remain at a residential aged care facility in the affected areas unless:

• the person is an officer, employee or contractor of the residential aged care facility;
• the person’s presence at the premises is for the purposes of providing goods or services that are necessary for the effective operation of the residential aged care facility;
• the person’s presence at the premises is for the purposes of providing health, medical, or pharmaceutical services to a resident of the residential aged care facility, whether the goods or services are provided for consideration or on a voluntary basis;
• the person’s presence at the premises is for the purposes of end of life support for a resident of the residential aged care facility;
• the person’s presence at the premises is required for the purposes of emergency management, law enforcement or otherwise responding to an emergency;
• the person’s presence at the premises is required for the purposes of performing a function (including exercising a power or performing a duty) under a written law by an officer, employee or contractor of a public authority;
• the person’s presence at the premises is in the person’s capacity as a prospective resident of the residential aged care facility;
• the person is a legal practitioner whose presence on the premises is for the purpose of providing legal services in relation to wills estate planning to a resident of a residential aged care facility.

However, if you have returned from overseas or been informed you are a close contact in the last 14 days or you have any symptoms you may not enter a residential aged care facility.

Aged care facilities outside of the affected areas are required to continue following the Visitors to Residential Aged Care Facilities Directions No.4.

We understand the importance of keeping our Residential Care Facilities residents and families connected as much as possible during times of restricted visitation and we are committed to helping residents and their loved ones stay in regular contact. Our residential care teams will assist with video and phone calls between residents and families.

Our therapy teams are already busy planning an increased range of enjoyable activities to help residents stay busy and entertained. We will be working with the families of residents to ensure communication is continued through this time.

Families are encouraged to contact the Residential Manager at their facility for any questions they have.

Home and Community Care

Our Home and Community Care Clients will continue to receive their essential services during the current lockdown. Our staff will wear face masks during visits and will continue to call clients in advance to ask pre-screening questions before attending their residence. It is vital that clients who have attended the sites listed by the health department, please disclose this to staff prior to receiving a visit, to ensure all care is taken when delivering essential support.

Retirement Living

A big thanks to our retirement village communities who continue to respond well to the COVID-19 situation. We remind everyone to maintain good practices, maintain physical distancing, hand hygiene and cough etiquette to help prevent the spread of infection.

During the State lock down restrictions, the Juniper retirement living coordinators will be working from home.

Currently no Juniper staff or resident has tested positive for COVID-19.

This information will be updated as further information comes to hand.

Key Notes:

• WA Government directive, full lockdown – Perth, Peel, South West from 6pm Sunday 31 January 2021 to 6pm Friday 5 February 2021.
• Everyone to stay home unless for essentials: shopping, medical, work.  If you can work from home do.
• No visits to residential aged care in the affected areas unless for exceptional circumstances. Please refer to Visitors to Residential Aged Care Facilities Directions No.5
• Wear a mask when out at all times.
• Refer to WA Gov website regarding closed businesses.

Other COVID-19 information resources:

• www.health.gov.au
• WA Health
• 24-hr Coronavirus Health Information Line – 1800 020 080

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Mel Newcombe
Clarity Communications
0410 461 816
mel.newcombe@claritycommunications.com.au