Positive COVID case at Gary Smorgon House

RESIDENTS at Gary Smorgon House are this week isolating in their rooms and visitation has been suspended, save for exceptional circumstances, after an elder at the Jewish Care (Vic) facility tested positive for COVID last Saturday.

The AJN understands he was taken to hospital and was still being cared for there as of Tuesday afternoon.

“We are so very proud of the resilient manner in which our elders and staff respond to these circumstances, and appreciate the support of families in these very trying times,” Jewish Care said at the weekend.

According to the organisation, all other residents – who are being fully supported by staff – have since tested negative, and will be tested again this week.

“Overall, more than 150 test results have come back to date from the weekend testing and there are no further positive cases,” Jewish Care said on Monday.

“Pleasingly, we can report that no elders or staff are showing any signs or symptoms.”

The organisation added, “At this time, the Southeast Public Health Unit has advised that if there are no further positive cases in the coming days that the outbreak is likely to end on the night of the December 25, 2021.

“Jewish Care will continue to offer supports to all elders, taking every precaution to ensure staff and elder wellbeing.”