Last month, a resident presented with a slight fever and was tested for COVID-19. This test result was indeterminant. Three subsequent tests were then conducted — all returning a negative result. While the initial result was inconclusive, DHHS treats such results as a confirmed case and implemented the lockdown process.

Council’s Director Community Wellbeing Peter Jones said that the support from family residents and staff during this time was wonderful, and that it was great news the facility was once again open.

“I’d like to thank residents, family and friends for their patience and trust in the past couple of weeks while lockdown and quarantine requirements were in place,” he said.

“I'd particularly like to acknowledge and thank the Rosstown staff for their professionalism and dedication at this time — I know it has been a particularly stressful.”

Mr Jones said that when the facility was notified by DHHS, staff immediately isolated all residents and residents were restricted to their own room. Infection prevention and control measures, including a deep clean of the facility, also occurred.

“All residents and staff were immediately tested by DHHS for COVID-19 and all results were negative. and staff who had close contact with the affected resident self-isolated at home for a period of 14 days,” he said.

“After 11 days all residents were again retested for COVID 19 and all tests were negative.”