Four Newmarch House residents test negative for COVID-19 after signs of respiratory illness – visitor restrictions and PPE back in place

A scare that is sure to be repeated as restrictions ease and flu season re-emerges.

The residents – who had signs of respiratory illness – were tested on Friday at the Western Sydney home with all delivering negative COVID results on Saturday, but they are being restricted to their rooms.

“All residents without flu-like symptoms are being encouraged to stay in their rooms and will be monitored for social distancing if they choose to leave their rooms,” Anglicare said in a statement.

NSW Health declared Newmarch House coronavirus-free on 15 June, but 19 residents died during the outbreak at the home that began in April, with 37 residents and 34 staff infected in total.

Anglicare said the residents who had undergone testing had their own dedicated staff and families and friends had also been asked not to visit.

“The residents have been tested, are isolated and their families have been contacted,” it read.

“Staff attending them are wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE).”

“We will continue to maintain regular phone and email contact with families of all residents.”

“We will review all these measures over the next few days as we wait upon the test results from NSW Health.”