Residential aged care providers are returning to testing and mask-wearing as the so-called 'fifth wave' of COVID-19 causes a spike in outbreaks and case numbers around the country.
In the week to 23 November, 25 aged care residents died from COVID-19, and there were 1,245 new residents infected with the virus. There were nearly 600 new cases among staff.
In WA, 31 aged care homes, or 12% of homes in the state, were experiencing an outbreak (the previous week, 40 homes had reported outbreaks, or 16% of homes). In VIC, nearly 100, or 13% of homes are recording an outbreak.
Though masks, testing, and visitor restrictions are no longer mandatory, many homes have reintroduced mask wearing and Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs).
WA's family-owned Hall & Prior requires RAT testing for all staff prior to every shift, providing free tests to staff. A positive test result means days off work, a significant disruption to both rosters and staff themselves.
