Sharp Covid spike in aged care homes

Coronavirus cases in residential aged care homes have risen rapidly during the past six weeks, according to government figures.

As of 13 October, there were 856 active cases in 168 residential aged care facilities across the country. Over the next few weeks, cases hovered just above 1,000 in 200 facilities before increasing, as of 10 November, to 2,040 cases in 309 aged care homes.

The latest government figures, as of 17 November, puts the number of active Covid cases at 3,097 in 462 facilities. That includes 200 new aged care outbreaks since a week before.

Despite the increase, Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells took to Twitter to assure older Australians the government was “doing its bit” to protect those most at risk.

“We have supplied PPE and RATs and other supports to residential aged care homes so they remain ready to manage any outbreaks and provide the best possible care for residents should they become unwell.”

She urged people who tested positive to isolate until they are symptom free as it “protects our essential aged care workers as well as each older person.”

In a statement, CEO of peak body the Aged & Community Care Providers Association Tom Symondson said workers and visitors to aged care homes must remain vigilant and take every precaution to protect residents, including keeping staff who tested positive safely away from the people they care for or support.

“Equally, I urge visitors to aged care homes to be patient and do whatever they are asked, either take a RAT test or wear a mask, before entering the home.”

While aged care providers are well-equipped and have protocols in place to manage the latest wave of Covid, Mr Symondson said, “we must continue to do everything we can to keep our residents and clients safe.”

He added: “We ask visitors to support staff in ensuring their loved ones are protected and remember to show your appreciation for their commitment in incredibly challenging times.”

Last month, in its inaugural budget, the federal government earmarked $810 million to continue to reimburse residential and home aged care providers for direct costs related to Covid outbreaks until 31 December.

As well, from 1 November, the government made Covid-19 oral antivirals more widely available to aged care providers.

Advice posted for the sector on the Department of Health and Aged Care’s website reads: “It is critical that oral treatments are urgently accessible to every eligible resident who has tested positive for Covid-19, particularly those aged 70 years or older, regardless of whether they have symptoms or not.

“To expediate access to antivirals you should pre-assess any potentially eligible residents, discuss consent options, discuss the administration of the medicine and have clear and established pathways with community pharmacies.”

Staff who presented symptoms were told to stay at home. “Workers who test positive for Covid-19 should not attend the workplace for at least seven days, including those who provide close personal care to older people in their homes or the community.”

Home care providers and staff “must adhere to all public health advice issued by the relevant state or territory government, including vaccination and testing requirements, and isolation protocols for close contacts” who should monitor for symptoms and get tested.

The cumulative total number of Covid cases recorded within aged care homes as of 17 November had risen to 162,650 – 99,771 among residents, 62,879 among staff. Since the pandemic broke in Australia, there have been 4,153 resident deaths.

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