St Basil’s Home for the Aged in Fawkner, 17km north of the CBD, has seen its number of cases jump from 13 on Monday to 51 yesterday.
The home, which is run by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, caters for 150 residents – it is understood the outbreak, traced back to a staff member, has infected both residents and staff with a small number of positive residents being hospitalised.
Allity’s Glendale Aged Care aged care home in Werribee, Melbourne, has also seen its cases increase from 28 to 31, while Estia’s Ardeer home is now linked to 42 cases, up from 40.
Single cases have also been reported at Iris Manor in Ashburton, 14km southeast of the CBD, and Mercy Place in Parkville, 5km north of the city centre, while two cases have been identified at Epping Gardens Aged Care in Melbourne’s north.
The new cases raise the number of active cases in residential care in Victoria to at least 150.
In total, 388 new cases were confirmed across Australia yesterday, including 374 in Victoria with three new deaths reported, all women aged in their 80s, 90s and 100s – with two of the women aged care residents.
Despite this, Victorian Chief Health Officer, Professor Brett Sutton says he is confident that aged care outbreaks are being dealt with appropriately.
“I haven’t heard reports of a failure of PPE being placed (at nursing homes),” Professor Sutton said.
“I think things are being dealt with appropriately in aged care.”
“It's intrinsically difficult in those settings because of the absolute vulnerability of the residents.”
The reports come as Melbourne and Mitchell Shire residents have been informed, they will now be required to wear some form of face covering when leaving the home.
The new rules will be enforced after 11.59pm, Wednesday 22 July to 16 August and the fine for non-compliance will be $200.
