NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard had strong words to say about the staff member on Monday, saying that she still did six shifts at the home despite having “symptoms of illness”.
The woman also worked two shifts at Greystanes Disability Services in Leura.
“No doubt she thought she was doing the right thing,” he said.
“She was unfortunately not doing the right thing and the message for all of us is don’t go to work.”
“If you’re feeling sick and you’re working in an aged care facility, you are working with some of the most vulnerable people in our state, please don’t go to work.”
“The potential is disastrous consequences if you're working with some of our most vulnerable people.”
Australia now has now had 27 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among aged care residents with nine residents passing away – or a one-third fatality rate.
Mr Hazzard issued a final blunt message: “The message here is to aged care facilities, you need to step up and make sure your staff understand the message but also the staff need to understand you have chosen this very honourable profession to work with our older citizens who are vulnerable, please listen to the health message – don’t go to work if you’re feeling sick.”
