The Department’s latest update to providers contains an offer of “available assistance” with COVID-19 outbreaks – suggesting the Government believes some providers may not be advising the Department of any infections among residents, staff or visitors.
As of Wednesday, the Department has informed us they know of 25 care recipients and 12 staff in 16 aged care services across NSW, QLD, WA, SA, Tasmania and Victoria that have tested positive for the virus.
We understand their concern that there may be more however.
“It is critical that you urgently advise us if you have any confirmed cases of either residents/care recipients or workers in your facility, service or program,” they emphasise.
The Department says once they have been alerted, they will be able to quickly assist with any PPE and extra staff or staff reimbursement and list an email agedcareCOVIDcases@health.gov.au as a contact.
Some US nursing homes have come under fire for not alerting health authorities about respiratory outbreaks – including the now infamous Life Care Center in Seattle where at least 35 residents have died.
