The case at the North Rockhampton Nursing Centre is clearly on the Government’s mind.

The Department has issued another stern reminder to aged care operators and their staff to stay home if they are unwell – even if they only feel mildly unwell.

“It is the best thing you can do for the vulnerable people you care for,” they state.

They also refer operators to the guidance developed by the Communicable Disease Network of Australia (CDNA) and endorsed by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) on monitoring COVID-19 symptoms, telling aged care services that they should make it available to their staff.

The same newsletter also rehashes the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s Chief Medical Advisor, Dr Melanie Wroth’s advice from 22 April, that providers should be screening staff and visitors with a single-entry point, screening questions and a no-touch temperature check.