Published: 27 March 2020
Firstly, we want to thank the Chairs or our Residents Committees for their time and commitment over the past two weeks as we’ve worked together to clarify the detail of what the Government’s new measures to slow the spread of the Coronavirus mean for our communities.
On our call with the Chairs on Thursday 26 March, we undertook to clarify and come back to our residents on two important points – libraries and social-sporting facilities, for example bowling greens and tennis courts.
Libraries will temporarily close at 5pm today, Friday 27 March
We are required by government to temporarily close our libraries. I understand that this will be disappointing and distressing for many of our residents who find great enjoyment reading books and watching DVDs. Right now this is what is required of all of us to help slow the spread of the virus and to keep our communities safe.
We are looking at alternative options for our residents to keep socially connected and engaged and will provide further updates on this.
Social sporting facilities are temporarily closed
All social-sports facilities including swimming pools, tennis courts, bowling greens and croquet lawns in our villages are temporarily and completely closed.
We understand how challenging this will be for many residents who enjoy playing sport. However, this is a government requirement to slow the spread of the virus and keep our communities safe.
There has been some confusion around government announcements and queries if small groups can continue to use these facilities. The answer is regrettably no. These facilities are temporarily closed to everyone.
New sign-in procedure for communities
In the last update, we mentioned that new sign-in procedures would soon be introduced to better manage village access in line with government requirements. You will start to these in villages in the next few days.
Wellness check-in for independent living residents
The current situation can feel isolating and overwhelming, but we’re in this together. We are offering independent living residents a daily wellness check-in. A member of the wider RetireAustralia team will call you to see how you’re travelling.
If you’re interested in a wellness check-in, please check your post box in the village for a sign-up slip, complete it and return it to your Village Manager.
Subscribe to get COVID-19 email updates
Do you, a family member, carer or friend want to keep up-to-date with RetireAustralia’s response to COVID-19 and what this means for visiting our communities?
To get these COVID-19 updates delivered direct to your inbox, please sign up here: www.retireaustralia.com.au/signup.
If you have any questions, please call your Village Manager. We will continue to update you regularly as the situation develops.
Useful links
Prime Minister’s Media Statement – Update on Coronavirus Measures: https://www.pm.gov.au/media/update-coronavirus-measures-24-March-2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Alert: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
Information on social distancing: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-information-on-social-distancing
Information on self-isolation: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-isolation-guidance
Advice for aged care facilities and visitors to residents: https://www.health.gov.au/news/advice-for-aged-care-facilities-and-visitors-to-residents
The National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
NSW Dept. of Health 1300 066 055
www.health.nsw.gov.au
Qld Dept. of Health 13 432 584
www.health.qld.gov.au
