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.
A Unisson employee who received a positive test on July 20 has unknowingly worked during the infectious period at one of Unisson’s Shared Living group homes in Parklea. To date, three clients in the same house have also tested positive for COVID-19 as well as a staff member who also worked in the house.
The employee was infectious from July 12 and worked four shifts in the same house during their infectious period until receiving the positive test result on July 20.
Unisson is working closely with contact tracers and NSW Health to identify all potential close contacts of the employee and is organising testing to take place.
The 5 residents of that house all received their first dose of the Astra Zeneca vaccination in May 2021. They were all tested on the evening of July 20, and three of them have returned a positive test and the two other residents have received negative tests. They are exhibiting mild, or no symptoms and we are continuing to monitor their condition. Both staff members have received the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
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 have declared that all residents of those homes, as well as all staff who worked in those homes since July 12, are close contacts. As a result, 65 staff and 21 residents have been identified as close contacts and they will be required to be tested and self-isolate for 14 days 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, are working to ensure:
- Continuity of support to residents of the home,
- Application of infection prevention and control measures,
- Continued adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), and
- Communication with residents, families, and employees.
“Our teams are working to ensure the ongoing health, safety, and wellbeing of all involved. Unisson will continue to be in close contact with NSW Health and we will do everything we can to protect clients and employees”, says 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 is of the utmost importance”.
Media Contact
Katrina Jackson
Email: katrinajackson@unisson.org.au
