The COVID-imposed lockdown at Boneham Aged Care Services in Millicent ended on Saturday.

Such measures as a ban on visitors and restricting resident movements had been temporarily put in place after COVID had been found in one staff member and one resident.

Preliminary testing had suggested that a further six residents had COVID, but these were proved to be false positives.

As a consequence, Boneham chief executive Michael Filsell said many of the restrictions could now be lifted.

“We are very pleased to advise that all residents across Boneham have now tested negative to COVID,” Mr Filsell said.

“This means that effective immediately all residents across all wings are able to access the whole site, go out for family visits and receive visitors.

“This is a welcome relief for residents, families and our staff.

“Thank you to all residents and family members for your patience and support during this outbreak.

“Our community has been nothing but supportive.

“We must also thank our wonderful staff.

“It is through their hard work and attention to infection control procedures that this COVID outbreak was limited to one staff member and one resident.

“It could have been so much worse if not for their persistence.

“We are incredibly proud of how residents, staff and families pulled together as a team to manage throughout this outbreak with compassion and good humour.

“It has been a privilege to see!”

Certain COVID-related visitor protocols remain in place at Boneham Aged Care Services.