“Alarming” spread of infections in VIC aged care

COVID-19 has spread to 39 different nursing homes in Victoria in the last fortnight, with new infections in seven homes reported in the space of 24 hours. Federal Minister for Aged Care Richard Colbeck confirmed the grim news in an interview on 3AW yesterday, saying the rise in infections is, “really alarming”. (At that time at least 45 residents and 79 staff members are believed to already be infected. As we reported above the number is closer to 200). “With 45 residents, who are old, frail, probably have other co-morbidities, there’s some very, very sad news coming,” Colbeck said. “It’s going to be really tragic for families.” Two deaths have already been recorded, one at Glendale Aged Care in Werribee and another at Menarock Life in Essendon, and Colbeck expects this number to rise. “Unfortunately there will be more and I’m aware of a number who are palliating at the moment,” Mr Colbeck said.