We would like to reassure all residents, clients, families and next-of-kin that ARRCS facilities and services are following the health requirements from the Northern Territory Government to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our ARRCS employees, volunteers, clients, and residents from COVID-19. For the latest update on restrictions, please visit https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/stay-safe/freedoms-and-restrictions/lockdown-lockout
All visitors to our facilities will be required to wear masks to protect our residents and staff.
ARRCS has been undertaking significant preparedness and scenario planning activities to ensure we are as prepared as possible for any widespread community transmission of COVID-19 or transmission of the virus to any of our employees, volunteers, residents or clients.
UnitingCare (which operates ARRCS) has stood up a central COVID-19 Management Team in recent weeks, and we are following our COVID-19 Response Plan. Key clinical ARRCS and UnitingCare officers are in regular contact with Northern Territory Health and other public health officials to ensure our response preparedness and response strategies are aligned to Federal and State Government agency planning.
ARRCS has taken the following actions to minimise the potential current and future risk of COVID-19 spread:
Last updated 24 February 2021
What is ARRCS’ plan to roll out the COVID-19 vaccine to aged care residents and staff?
ARRCS is cooperating with vaccination teams from the Commonwealth Department of Health to ensure residents of our residential aged care homes receive the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine over the next six weeks, as per Phase 1A of the Commonwealth rollout strategy. We are also supporting follow-up vaccination team visits to deliver the second dose of the vaccine to residents and to inoculate ARRCS staff. We will advise ARRCS residents and their advocates of vaccination team visits directly and in advance.
Is ARRCS mandating COVID-19 vaccination for residential aged care residents and staff?
The Commonwealth Government has advised it will not be mandating the vaccine in Australia and we are following that advice; however, as COVID-19 vaccines prevent or reduce the severity of coronavirus illness, we are encouraging residents and staff to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Who will pay for the vaccine?
COVID-19 vaccines are fully funded by the Australian Government and free for ARRCS residents and staff.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?
The Pfizer/BioNTech and AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccines have been provisionally approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for use in people 16 years and older. This means the vaccines have been thoroughly reviewed to ensure they meet the high safety, efficacy and quality standards for use in Australia.
Are visitor restrictions currently in place at ARRCS facilities?
We are further protecting the health and wellbeing of residents and staff at our facilities by implementing new conditions for visitors:
We may institute further restrictions (including lockdown of our aged are homes) should the developing situation across the Northern Territory warrant it, or if we are requested to by the Federal Department of Health or Northern Territory Health.
We know you may be worried about COVID-19, however please rest assured ARRCS is taking all necessary steps as advised by Federal and State health agencies to protect your health and wellbeing.
Your connectedness to family, friends and community at this time is vital. If you are feeling lonely or concerned, please talk with your carer or call ARRCS on 08 8982 5200. Please make yourself familiar with the following things you can do right now in your home:
If you have any questions about the precautionary measures ARRCS is taking in relation to COVID-19, please do not hesitate to call our ARRCS head office team on 08 8982 5200.
Read the latest Australian Government and Northern Territory Government information