As previously released on July 22, NSW disability service provider, Unisson Disability, is working closely with NSW Health to manage confirmed COVID-19 cases identified in one of their Shared Living sites in Parklea, Western Sydney.
To date, 8 people have tested positive for COVID-19 (4 residents and 4 staff). The fourth resident tested positive on Friday 23 July, and they live within the same home as the first 3 people that tested positive last week.
The 5 residents of the house all received their first dose of the Astra Zeneca vaccination in May 2021. They are being tested daily, as per NSW Health advice, currently, one resident is exhibiting mild symptoms. We will continue to monitor their condition.
All staff members who have tested positive have only worked in the house with COVID-19 resident cases. “It is reassuring that the cases identified are all from within the same house and all affected residents and staff have been in self-isolation since the situation was first identified”. David Kneeshaw, Unisson CEO.
The impacted house is one of four closely linked Unisson townhouses at Parklea, and because of the risk of cross-infection between the houses, NSW Health declared that all residents of those homes, as well as all staff who worked in those homes between July 12 and July 21, are close contacts. As a result, 65 staff and 21 residents were identified as close contacts and they have been self-isolating and undertaking regular testing as per current health orders.
Unisson is actively working with NSW Health to ensure clients and staff are living and working in a safe and healthy environment.
The Unisson COVID response team, alongside NSW Health, have set up extensive measures including:
- Continuity of support to residents of the home,
- On-site clinical leadership,
- Increased processes of infection prevention and control measures,
- Installation of marquees at each site to ensure staff have a comfortable and safe place to take their breaks,
- A bus has been kindly donated by Disaster Relief Australia to provide on-site support staff with a space to work and take a break,
- A continued adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), and
- Ongoing communication with residents, families, and employees.
“Our team has been working tirelessly to ensure our response is of the highest standard. and we are looking forward to being on the other side of this situation and resuming regular supports to our clients” explains David Kneeshaw, CEO
We sincerely appreciate your support and understanding in this difficult time and assure you that the health, safety, and wellbeing of our community are of the utmost importance.
Media Contact
Katrina Jackson
Email: katrinajackson@unisson.org.au
