Face masks now being worn as a precautionary measure

Published on 03 August 2020

An additional precautionary measure has now been implemented at Cooee Lodge and Jack Towney Hostels in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Council’s Director Community Services, Jo Manion says

“Council is continually monitoring the situation and advice from NSW Health with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, who issued an Amber Alert last week regarding the need for aged care services and health care providers to wear face masks while in proximity to clients.”

“In response to this Alert, staff at Jack Towney and Cooee Lodge Hostels, along with Orana Living staff are now wearing masks as standard practice when they are caring for their clients. All visitors to the facilities including maintenance workers also need to wear masks when on site, so they can expect to be asked to comply with this when they first arrive.”

COVID Safe Plans are in place across all of Council’s aged care and disability living facilities, with the wearing of face masks implemented in addition to a range of measures already in place to ensure the health and safety of staff and residents.

Ms Manion says Council staff have been very understanding and cooperative with the need to continually adapt their response on site in accordance with NSW Health advice and requirements.

“Staff have been very supportive and willing to incorporate new requirements into their day to day activities. Residents at our facilities are in good spirits and also very understanding of the constantly changing measures which are in place to ensure their health and safety is protected during this incredibly challenging time. We are doing our best to keep our residents safe and we have appreciated all of the support from families in the last several months.”

Further information can be found through the NSW Health website, www.health.nsw.gov.au

- ends –

Contact:        

Kathryn Larkin
Marketing and Communications Manager
6817 8800