There are now 41 residents and staff who have tested positive for COVID-19 across 17 aged care homes in Australia as of yesterday, according to the Department of Health.
The figures sound high – certainly the ideal number would be zero.
But the homes affected still only represent 0.5% of all residential care in Australia.
Australia’s aged care homes are in a much better position than those in other countries to deal with an outbreak of the virus.
Providers here had been preparing for flu season and had stocked up on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for staff – despite concerns that some were running short, the Department of Health has opened up access to PPE from the National Medical Stockpile (NMS), a national reserve of drugs, PPE, and other equipment to providers who have requested extra supplies.
Staff are already experienced with infection control because of the danger of influenza to elderly people, but the Government has provided funding to aged care homes to deliver additional training to staff to tackle the virus.
As we discussed last week, staff are also being prioritised for COVID-19 testing if they do show symptoms – and Australia is also testing many more people per head of population than other countries.
And from 1 May 2020 – just one month away – the Government is requiring all aged care staff to have a flu vaccination to remove the ‘double risk’ of a flu outbreak in homes.
“Our aged care workers are doing an exceptional job caring for our most vulnerable Australians in very challenging circumstances,” Minister for Aged Care Senator Richard Colbeck said in announcing the measure.
“This year it is even more important to be vigilant about the flu because of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
This vaccination is provided free by aged care homes to their staff – and many also extend this free vaccination to families and volunteers.
Compare this situation to the United States, where more than 400 long-term care homes now have residents who are infected with the coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In New York, which has been hit hardest by the virus, overflowing hospitals are now transferring patients with COVID-19 to Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) – aged care homes that also offer rehabilitation and other medical services – where uninfected residents are still living.
In the UK, aged care staff are only now being tested for the virus – and have also been told that they must accept patients with COVID-19.
It is a terrible situation – but one we cannot see happening here.
We all worry about our loved ones who are living in residential care – but we can be reassured the Government, providers and our hard-working aged care staff are doing all they can to prevent similar circumstances.
Flu vaccinations are free for anyone aged 65 and over. You can find out more about the flu immunisation service here.
