Is this a low blow considering the pressure that providers experiencing outbreaks are currently under?
The aged care regulator has threatened to revoke the licenses of several aged care homes at the centre of Victoria's largest COVID-19 clusters, including Estia’s Ardeer home which has now had 88 cases – the biggest cluster in the state – and its Heidelberg West home where 50 cases have been recorded.
Under the Notices to Agree issued by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC), the provider is required:
- Not admit new residents until the Victorian Public Health Unit declares the homes free of COVID-19;
- Immediately appoint an independent adviser to assist with the health and wellbeing of residents; and
- Provide daily and weekly reports to the Commission on how the outbreaks are being managed.
The operator says that the health and wellbeing of its residents and staff is its focus, with a dedicated support line for each home plus counselling for staff and families.
But the news saw the operator’s share price drop 7% to $1.46 before rising again to $1.50 yesterday – still 6.8% below its price a week ago.
“At this stage it is not possible to quantify the full financial impact on the company arising from the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation,” Estia said in a statement.
Notices to Agree have also been issued to Menarock over the outbreak at its Essendon aged care home, where 62 cases have been reported, as well as St Basil’s Homes for the Aged in Fawkner which has had 86 confirmed cases and nine resident deaths – see this story.
