Australian Unity has confirmed three staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 at its Rathdowne Place aged care home. It is a 160-bed/five-level ‘tower’ close by to the three original cluster public housing towers, one also in Carlton, one 3km away in North Melbourne and one in Flemington, 5km distant.
Over 200 Australian Unity employees and a number of residents were tested over the weekend.
“Following community testing, an employee at our Rathdowne Place Aged Care home notified Australian Unity of a positive COVID-19 result last Thursday, 9 July 2020. Subsequently, over 200 of our employees and a number of residents were tested over the weekend. We were informed yesterday, 13 July 2020, that two further employees have tested positive for COVID-19,” said an Australian Unity Spokesperson.
“None of the three employees were showing symptoms when they were last at work and they are now isolating at home with our support. Their close contacts are being managed in accordance with the Department of Health and Human Services' Public Health Unit's requirements.”
“All residents and employees, along with resident representatives, have been kept well advised of the situation. Remaining residents at the home will be tested—commencing this afternoon—as a precautionary measure.”
“We will continue to engage with health and other regulatory authorities as needed in relation to the management of this matter.”
