In response to a positive case confirmed with UK strain of COVID-19, Queensland’s Premier and Chief Health Officer have issued a health directive to protect all members of our community, especially those who are most vulnerable.
This means that Aged Care facilities and Disability Accommodation in Brisbane are now in lockdown.
While this new development regarding COVID-19 in Brisbane has been swift, we have not been caught off guard.
As the provider of essential services the care we provide to the people we support will continue as it always does, with no interruption.
We wish to reassure everyone with loved ones who are part of the Mercy Community family that the wellbeing of both the people we support and our dedicated staff is our highest priority.  Â
At this stage, the lockdown is about giving public health officials time to get on top of contact tracing and assess what the situation is post the community transmission from a quarantine worker, so there’s no need to panic. This does not mean COVID-19 is everywhere. So while we need to respond, we need to do it calmly.Â
What does this mean?
In light of these directives, we remain committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the people we support and our team.
This means that our both our Aged Care Services and Disability Accommodation residences will not be accepting visitors at this time, nor are people residing in these homes able to go out into the community except for essential appointments such as medical or healthcare needs and other essential reasons.
For the full list of exceptions, please refer to this link: www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/greater-brisbane-lockdown
What if my family member doesn’t understand what’s happening?
We will be doing everything we can to reassure the people we support and to assist them to understand the restrictions that we are being directed to implement. We can also assist you to be in communication so you can also provide assurance to your family member.
If you have any concerns, please talk to our teams and discuss ways you would like us to be supporting your family member.
Staying connected
We understand that this places a great strain on many families who have loved ones in our services. You can keep in touch by:
- phone and video calls
- sending home videos.
Again, talk to our staff if you have any concerns.
What is Mercy Community doing?
We will continue to take advice from Queensland Health and are monitoring the situation closely.
We understand that this is a difficult and distressing time for families and friends of the people we support and appreciate the impact that this has.
We thank you for your support, patience and understanding as we face these restrictions. Your co-operation in these matters is very much appreciated.
We encourage you to monitor Queensland Health’s website and Facebook page and continue to follow their directives to protect yourself and others. As always, we strongly recommend everyone with symptoms to immediately get tested. Vigilance is key to keeping community transmission out of Queensland.
For more information
You can read Queensland Health’s directive addressing visitation to disability accommodation here: www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/public-health-directions/disability-accommodation-services
And you’ll find Queensland Health’s directive addressing visitation to Aged Care Facilities here: www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/public-health-directions/aged-care
In addition, the overarching 3-day lockdown information from Queensland Health can be found here: www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/greater-brisbane-lockdown.
Queries or concerns
If you have any queries or concerns, you have the choice of contacting:
For general enquiries call (07) 3866 4160 or email info@mercycs.org.au
For enquiries regarding our disability services contact Sandra Bai, Director, NDIS Individualised Support, on 3866 4237 or email sandra.bain@mercycommunity.org.au
For enquiries regarding our aged care facility contact Loretta Creevey, Facilities Manager, Aged Care Services, on 3260 9555 or email loretta.creevey@mercycommunity.org.au
