The resident who had tested positive for COVID-19 passed away at the Western Sydney home yesterday morning while three more staff members were diagnosed with the virus in the past 36 hours – but at least one of these new infections appears to be under investigation.
Anglicare released a statement early on Tuesday morning, announcing that one of the newly positive staff members worked solely in the “COVID-19 positive area” of Newmarch House and was now self-isolating.
“It is our understanding that this staff member was asymptomatic,” they said.
“The positive test result was discovered during our now daily, rigorous testing regime which is now being applied to all staff working at Newmarch House.”
94 staff were tested on Monday, according to NSW Health.
However, the media is reporting that Anglicare asked the Government’s contractor Aspen Medical to stand down the staff member, alleging they had breached infection control procedures.
An Aspen Medical spokesperson confirmed to the Sydney Morning Herald yesterday that Anglicare had requested that a staff member be stood down.
“We have asked for details as to why this has been requested and are awaiting information from Anglicare,” they said.
“We are working closely with Anglicare and all the other staffing agencies at Newmarch House to ensure the ongoing health and wellbeing of residents at the facility.”
29 staff members at the home have now been diagnosed with the virus, along with 37 residents – 15 of whom have passed away – a total of 66 cases.
Anglicare says that they continue to be advised by the Government’s infection control specialists and are working diligently to contain the virus.
If the breach is verified, it raises questions about the training of the staff contracted by the Government to support Anglicare.
However, NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant has warned against blaming staff at the home for potentially spreading the virus.
“It’s quite challenging to wear full [personal protective equipment] and interact with patients,” she said.
“It’s not a controlled environment… in the end we want care and compassion for those [residents].”
