Aged care outbreak of ‘very great concern’

It is of “very great concern” COVID-19 has “crept” into Victoria’s private aged care facilities, state Health Minister Martin Foley says. The concern comes after three new cases were linked to the aged care sector. “One is the son of the initial case – you’ll recall the first case in Maidstone Arcare – so doesn’t actually work at the facility but is clearly directly linked,” Mr Foley said. “One is a staff member at that same Arcare Maidstone who worked alongside that initial case. “She was not vaccinated, she also worked at another aged care facility, the Blue Cross ACG Sunshine facility, on 26th and 27th and 28th of May. “That has therefore triggered a strong public health response at the Blue Cross facility, similar to what was activated to contain measures at the Maidstone Arcare facility. “And the third additional case linked to the Arcare outbreak is unfortunately a resident, a woman in her 90s.” Mr Foley said the Victorian government will continue to work with the Commonwealth and private aged care sector to ensure the proper measures are used. “Whilst of course the Commonwealth is responsible for the regulation of private residential aged care in Victoria, Victoria has sought to assist that sector wherever we possibly can," Mr Foley said. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au