In the past fortnight, the number of COVID-19 cases in residential aged care homes has fallen 57% yet the number of residents dying from the virus has risen 28.5%.
As at 8pm on 17 February, there were 2,550 residents and 2,572 staff in 645 residential aged care homes with COVID. Those homes would be locked down.
In total, 742 residents have died this year, compared to 685 deaths in 2020 and 282 deaths last year.
Paul Sadler, interim CEO of Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA), the national organisation supporting Not For Profit, church and charitable providers of retirement living, community, home and residential care, said the sector was “not out of the woods yet”.
“We are seeing COVID now entering aged care homes in Western Australia and I expect to see some high numbers through the first part of March,” he said.
As at 18 February, ADF personnel are assisting in 26 aged care homes that have sought their help. 40 homes have been supported in total and the ADF has fulfilled every request to date. Up to 200 ADF personnel in each state and territory, or up to 1,700 personnel, are ready to be deployed if required.
Jeta Gardens in Bethania, Logan, QLD, has the most cases: 95 residents with 16 deaths.
