Death rate from COVID-19 in aged care homes continues to fall

The number of aged care residents who contract COVID-19 and died fell to 1.6% of all cases of the virus in residential aged care from the start of the year to 6 May 2024, according to data from the Department of Health and Aged Care provided to The SOURCE.

The rate compares with 33% in the pre-vaccine era of 2020, and 12% in 2021.

The improvement reflects "well-coordinated access to vaccination and antiviral treatments, good infection and prevention control, as well as greater preparedness in the sector to respond to outbreaks", a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Aged Care told The SOURCE.

The highest number of cases was recorded in 2022 when 116,212 residents came down with COVID-19.

"The large number of cases and corresponding deaths in aged care in 2022 was due to the increased transmission rate of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 (Omicron commenced 15 December 2021)," the spokesperson said.

15% of aged care homes impacted by outbreaks this week

40 residents died from the virus in the week to 16 May 2024, taking total deaths in residential aged care over the course of the pandemic past 6,500.

During the week, 83 aged care homes declared new outbreaks, meaning there were outbreaks in 378 homes, 15% of all aged care homes, and the highest number since January.

More than 3,000 staff and residents tested positive to the virus during the week.