COVID-19 case numbers in residential aged care have risen 65% over the last five weeks, albeit from a low base. Numbers are still 80% below the peak experienced during the summer wave.
In the week to 31 March, there were 1,297 active COVID cases in residential aged care and outbreaks in 190 aged care homes.
Prescriptions for oral antiviral treatments have increased by about 40% over the last five weeks.
Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler said the latest figures “reinforce the message that this is not over.”
In this vein, the Minister announced that from 1 April, Australians aged 60 to 69 who have only one risk factor will be eligible for Paxlovid oral antiviral treatment. Previously, two health risk factors were required to receive the treatment.
More than 80% of aged care residents have received four COVID vaccine doses.