WAIKERIE’s aged care facility, Pioneer Haven, has temporarily closed to visitors due to a Covid-19 outbreak for the third time since April, with the number of residents with the virus rising to 12.

The Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network (RMCLHN) temporarily closed Pioneer Haven to visitors from Tuesday after nine residents tested positive to the virus.

The RMCLHN said for the safety of all residents and staff, no visitors were permitted to Pioneer Haven until further notice.

The RMCLHN has enacted its residential aged care facility outbreak management plan.

It said the outbreak required additional restrictions to be implemented, as the residents would be particularly susceptible to Covid-19 outbreaks.

Families are encouraged to use FaceTime to interact with their relatives in the interim.

The RMCLHN said the director of nursing and midwifery and/or the chief executive officer may grant visitation on compassionate grounds. It said the Covid-19 positive residents were being cared for in isolation.

Strict guidelines are also being followed regarding testing, monitoring, and the wearing of personal protective equipment.

All residents, family members, and carers have been informed about the outbreak and will receive further updates on a daily and as-needed basis,

The RMCLHN said it understood the outbreak may cause concern for loved ones.

“Please be assured the health, safety, and wellbeing of aged care residents was its highest priority,” the RMCLHN said.