CEO Message regarding the WA Interstate Controlled Border and interstate visitors at Juniper

Fortunately, Western Australia continues to do well in managing the COVID-19 pandemic and at present there is no community transmission of the virus within WA.  We have also maintained our position of zero positive cases at any Juniper facility.

On Saturday 14 November 2020, WA’s hard border was opened to a controlled interstate border.

What does the border opening mean for Juniper?

With the eased border restrictions, selected interstate travellers and New Zealanders who have served their quarantine period in other states, will be permitted to travel into WA.  More information on the travel arrangements and conditions for entry into WA is available at www.wa.gov.au.

In accordance with the Government of Western Australia’s Visitors to Residential Aged Care Facilities Directions (No.4), Juniper residential care facilities will continue to have COVID-19 Visiting Arrangements in place for all visitors including pre-booking visits and completing health screening and temperature checks on arrival.

The Government of Western Australia, Department of Health has recently released the: Introduction of the controlled interstate border – Advice for RACFS on staff and visitors from other states attending RACFs.pdf (19 November 2020).

In accordance with this advice, all visitors to Juniper residential care facilities who have arrived in WA from interstate in the previous 14 days will be required to wear a mask for the duration of their visit.

In addition, visitors to Juniper residential care facilities from New South Wales, Victoria or South Australia who have arrived in WA in the previous 14 days will only be permitted entry on compassionate grounds at the discretion of the Residential Manager and will be required to wear a mask and PPE.

Preventing the spread of COVID-19:

We can all help to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community, and when visiting a Juniper facility.  We appreciate your support to continue to:

• Practice social distancing of 1.5m from others at all times, and when visiting a facility;
• Practice good hand hygiene and cough/sneeze etiquette; and
• Do not visit a Juniper facility if you are feeling sick or have any COVID-19 symptoms.

Please be assured that resident and client health and safety will always be our priority.

Any questions about anything in this message, Juniper’s visiting arrangements or COVID-19 response plan, please refer to the Residential Manager at your facility.