“Don’t stop”: daughter of Newmarch House resident who died from COVID-19 warns public not to become complacent on 7.30 Report

An important message for Australians as the States and Territories begin to ease restrictions on social distancing. Bernadette Quigley’s mother, 89-year-old resident Leone Corrigan died at Newmarch House on 27 April after living at the home for six years. You can watch the interview here. Ms Quigley – one of eight children – says her mother wasn’t “very healthy” and the family quickly realised “this is going to be the end”. The family was offered the chance to see Ms Corrigan, but warned that they would have to wear PPE, maintain social distancing and that she may not recognise them; none visited. Ms Quigley added that she understands her mother received a lot of care from the nurses in her final days.

“Even when we were Facetiming, the nurse would be patting Mum’s hair down and really holding Mum’s hand. So, they were really comforting and that was really reassuring to know that she wasn’t by herself because we couldn’t be there so at least somebody was,” she told host Leigh Sales.

Asked what her message to Australians would be on social distancing: Ms Quigley urged people to not be complacent about the virus.

“Be really vigilant. It’s something that is scary,” she said. “And really, it’s not the fact of somebody dying like my mum, it’s the way they die and the impact it has on the whole family, of not having a proper funeral, not having that opportunity to have that, that final say goodbye to them. That’s the hardest part.... Sorry.”