Residents are undergoing COVID tests every three days and confined to their rooms, while workers wear full PPE for the duration of their shifts.

These are just some of the protocols in place at Dubbo's St Mary's Villa and Holy Spirit facilities, which have been battling to confine the disease since early September.

There are currently 10 cases at St Mary's and four at Holy Spirit.

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A spokesperson for Catholic HealthCare, which runs both facilities, said in a statement that "all COVID positive residents have been cohorted to separate areas of the homes" to isolate them from other residents.

The homes have also been deep cleaned with "additional cleaning protocols" put in place.

"All staff are wearing full PPE and are following comprehensive COVID-19 infection control protocols," the spokesperson said. "Staff and residents are being tested for COVID-19 every 72 hours and staff are also being tested with COVID-19 rapid antigen tests at the beginning of each shift.

"Catholic Healthcare has appointed additional staff who are supporting the teams at each Home. Infection control specialists are also onsite providing additional education and support for staff."

Dining and activities areas are closed, and residents are confined to their rooms. Meals are being served using disposable cutlery and crockery to "minimise handling of utensils".

Despite the obvious challenges in reducing contact as much as possible, Catholic Healthcare maintains that the administering of medications and health reviews between patients, nursing staff and their doctors are going ahead. Showering has been reduced, with the advice from Infection Control experts to "substitute with sponge baths instead".

Tackling boredom has also been a challenge, with a Recreational Lifestyle team providing residents with activity packs and digital entertainment, exercise, pastoral care visits and music.

"We are also facilitating mobile phone calls and WhatsApp video calls for residents with family members," the spokesperson said.

"Families of residents have also been sending loved one's parcels through contactless delivery including puzzles, magazines, flowers and gifts which have been really appreciated."

Catholic Healthcare said it's working with the NSW Public Health Unit and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on its management plan of COVID-19. It also said the "health, safety and comfort of our residents and staff are our highest priority".

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