Bupa NZ COVID-19 Omicron Update
Update sent to Care Home residents, families and whānau
Dear Care Home residents, families and whānau,
As you will know, at midnight last night (23 January), New Zealand moved into the RED setting in the COVID-19 Protection Framework (the “Traffic Light System”), following the community spread of Omicron in the Nelson/ Marlborough and Auckland regions.
While this is not the news any of us wanted to hear, we want to assure you that we’ve been doing all we can to prepare, and our priority remains the health and safety of our residents and team members.
The Omicron variant has spread worldwide rapidly and is now present in many countries. Evidence suggests that it is likely to be more transmissible than previous variants of the COVID-19 virus.
Bupa has been dealing with Omicron in the UK and Australia for several months now, so we are in a valuable position to draw on their learned experiences. Over the past weeks, the Bupa NZ Leadership Team have also been working to strengthen our supplies of critical items (including Rapid Antigen Tests and PPE), develop workforce contingency plans, and carry out refresher training regarding infection prevention control measures.
Reminder of what life looks like at Bupa Care Homes in the RED setting:
Visiting our care homes
· There will be set visiting hours:
o Monday to Friday: 10am – 6pm
o Saturday & Sunday: 12pm – 4pm
o Outside these times the care home doors will be locked. If you can only visit outside of these times, please contact the care home to organise your visit.
· Residents can have up to 2 vaccinated visitors at a time, and visitors are encouraged to visit residents in their room, where possible, and maintain 1 metre physical distancing.
· Please scan in using the Government’s COVID-19 tracer app, as well as register with Bupa via our EVA app or on the paper-based contact tracing spreadsheet to declare that you are well at the time of visiting.
· All visitors to our care homes must show proof that they are fully vaccinated at reception before entering.
· All visitors will be required to wear a surgical mask and sanitise their hands on arrival. If you do not have a surgical mask, we can provide you with one.
· Visitors should stay at home if they have COVID-19 symptoms, are under investigation for COVID-19, or a close contact of someone who is under investigation for COVID-19 or a confirmed case.
Unvaccinated visitors
· Any unvaccinated visitors will need to contact the Care Home Manager, prior to visiting, so that a COVID-safe visit can be arranged. This may be outside or through glass, for example, to facilitate the safety of our residents and employees in the care home.
· However, when your visit is in relation to an immobile resident or very frail resident, who cannot easily be moved to a suitable area, unvaccinated visitors will now be able to visit these residents inside the care home. These visitors must show evidence of a negative COVID-19 test 48-72 hours before visiting and will be required to wear PPE while visiting.
Respite services
· Where applicable, planned respite services and urgent respite care are available following a risk assessment using the COVID-19 screening form. Please note, if the person is unvaccinated, they will be required to undergo Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) for 5 days on arrival at the care home, and limit socialisation with other residents during this time.
Van trips and personal outings
· Resident outings with families will be considered on a case-by-case basis to support our residents’ mental health and wellbeing.
o When approved, residents/family are encouraged to only visit places with vaccination certification requirements or outdoor areas, and should ensure they scan in, wear a mask and follow all public health measures.
o Please note, unvaccinated residents who leave the care home, other than for an outpatient medical appointment, will be required to undergo Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) for 5 days on their return and limit socialisation with other residents during this time.
· Resident van trips will continue for vaccinated residents, where applicable, to outdoor spaces e.g., parks and beaches, but not to indoor public places around others e.g., cafes. The driver and residents will need to wear masks while in the van (unless medically unable to).
Hairdressers
· Hairdressers and other external services can operate, but they must follow Government guidelines for close contact businesses. They cannot serve unvaccinated residents.
Remember, if you are eligible to have your COVID-19 vaccine booster, please make a booking to have this as soon as possible. The Government is recommending a 4-month gap after your second dose. This is the best way to protect yourselves and others from COVID-19.
As we face into this new phase together, we are prepared and here to support you. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Update sent to Village residents
Dear Village residents,
As you will know, at midnight last night (23 January), New Zealand moved into the RED setting in the COVID-19 Protection Framework (the “Traffic Light System”), following the community spread of Omicron in the Nelson/ Marlborough and Auckland regions.
While this is not the news any of us wanted to hear, we want to assure you that we’ve been doing all we can to prepare, and our priority remains the health and safety of our residents and team members.
The Omicron variant has spread worldwide rapidly and is now present in many countries. Evidence suggests that it is likely to be more transmissible than previous variants of the COVID-19 virus, including Delta.
Bupa has been dealing with Omicron in the UK and Australia for several months now, so we are in a valuable position to draw on their learned experiences. Over the past weeks, the Bupa NZ Leadership Team have also been working to strengthen our supplies of critical items (including Rapid Antigen Tests and PPE), develop workforce contingency plans, and carry out refresher training regarding infection prevention control measures.
Helping you prepare:
The Government has prepared some advice, including a checklist to prepare your household for COVID-19. Please find a copy of this alongside this letter, with more information available on the covid19.govt.nz website. Some key points to consider are:
· Check your stocks of masks, gloves, hand sanitiser, disinfectant, rubbish bags, cleaning products, and toilet paper.
· For sore throats/ cough/ sinus; tissues, ice-blocks, throat spray or lozenges.
· For fever; Panadol, Nurofen, electrolyte replacement sachets, and cool packs.
· Self-care; Easy to heat meals and soups, peppermint or ginger tea or other fluids.
· Ensure you have sufficient supplies of prescribed medications on hand at all times.
Remember, if you are eligible to have your COVID-19 vaccine booster, please make a booking to have this as soon as possible. The Government is recommending a 4-month gap after your second dose. This is the best way to protect yourselves and others from COVID-19.
If you become a close contact or get COVID-19:
Under the unfortunate circumstance you become a close contact of someone with COVID-19, or are confirmed to have COVID-19, please let your Village Manager know immediately and remain in your villa or apartment at all times. We will be here to support you wherever possible, including with shopping or meal deliveries.
If you do become unwell, please consult your GP by phone. Remember rest is crucial, and you may lose your appetite, but try to eat nutrient rich food and avoid sugar (inflammatory) caffeine and alcohol. We suggest keeping a journal of the symptoms you are experiencing each day until completely recovered.
Reminder of what life looks like at Bupa Villages in the RED setting:
Visiting our villages
· Visitors must continue to scan in using the Government’s COVID-19 tracer app, as well as register with Bupa via our EVA app or on the paper-based contact tracing spreadsheet to declare that they are well at the time of visiting.
· All visitors will be required to wear a surgical mask and sanitise their hands on arrival. If you do not have a surgical mask, we can supply them with one.
· Visitors should stay at home if they have COVID-19 symptoms, are under investigation for COVID-19, or a close contact of someone who is under investigation for COVID-19 or a confirmed case.
Village facilities and events
· Village community centres and communal areas (including gyms, pools, cafes, dining rooms, and libraries) will be open to fully vaccinated residents and fully vaccinated visitors only. Entry will be granted by showing your “My Vaccine Pass”.
· Residents will be responsible for ensuring their visitors are fully vaccinated, and have a “My Vaccine Pass”, before they enter a community centre and/or communal area.
· Residents will also be required to show their “My Vaccine Pass” to attend any functions arranged by Bupa e.g. “happy hour” and morning teas. Please note, this applies to indoor and outdoor events, and activities within a co-located care home, if applicable.
· For your safety, please keep your masks on for all indoor functions. We’ll be capping the gathering limit for any function at 100 people.
· Any unvaccinated residents living in an apartment that is part of the main building, or unvaccinated visitors, must move through the building without accessing the village’s communal spaces.
· If you are unvaccinated, the Government Health Orders require that you do not access the common facilities or attend Bupa run activities or events.
As we face into this new phase, we are prepared and here to support you. We know as in the past, we will get through this together. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch
