Precautions at Boneham

Site in lockdown: Boneham Aged Care Services went into lockdown on Tuesday due to rising COVID-19 cases.

Boneham Aged Care Services (BACS) went into full lockdown on Tuesday as several new Covid-19 cases were confirmed.

The first positive test at the facility, since the previous outbreak ended in late June, was returned over the weekend.

Chief executive officer of BACS, Michael Filsell, announced on Tuesday through the facility’s website and social media site that a total of eight positive RAT tests had been returned.

Several symptomatic residents returned negative tests and are being managed as potential positive cases.

The latest cases impact all wings across the site which led to the decision to implement full visitor restrictions while establishing control over the outbreak.

Mr Filsell said in his online statement that the onset of this outbreak was sudden and strongly suspected it to be the new strain, BA4 and BA5, that is currently spreading rapidly across the state.

Telling the South Eastern Times: “This is a fluid situation that we are re-evaluating on a daily basis and one that is rapidly changing.

“People can get daily updates via our social media and website as previously.”

BACS is now unable to access on-site testing from Clinpath Pathology due to a recent change in Clinpath’s protocols with the site now relying on RAT testing as the most readily available tool to diagnose emerging cases.

Staff at the site are PCR testing for residents which are then sent to SA Pathology, however this is not providing the rapid results previously received via Clinpath Pathology.

All families of positive cases and symptomatic cases at the facility have been contacted directly with visits limited to end of life cases or residents who have special support needs.

All visitors are required to wear full PPE at all times on site and will also be required to undertake a RAT test on arrival at Boneham to ensure they are Covid clear.

Window visits and phone/Skype visits can be arranged with all other residents by contacting our lifestyle team.

This information is correct at time of print but the situation is rapidly changing , families are urged to contact BACS, refer to their Facebook page or website for the latest updates.