Staff, residents and visitors are being urged to stay vigilant as a new COVID-19 wave hits residential aged care homes, with the number of cases doubling in the span of a week.
As at last Thursday, 10 November, there were 1,419 new resident cases in aged care homes around Australia, up from 710 the previous week, and 548 new staff cases. 18 residents died with the virus, while 309 homes recorded outbreaks, up from 213 the previous week.
ACCPA CEO Tom Symondson said staff and visitors must take “every precaution” to protect older people in residential care.
“ACCPA urges all aged care recipients and aged care staff ensure they have their latest Covid vaccination as soon as possible. Whilst many in the community believe Covid has passed, for us in aged care that is simply not the case.”
The Australian Defence Force wrapped up its support for aged care last month at the end of the winter COVID-19 wave.
