THE national aged care service body has called for absolute vigilance in the face of coronavirus.
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Peak aged care body Leading Aged Services Australia said it was not only the sector's top priority to protect older people from COVID-19 but it was also a community duty.
"Protecting older Australians in care and the staff who look after them is critical with extensive infection control planning and protocols in place," said LASA chief executive Sean Rooney.
"At the same time, keeping the most vulnerable older Australians safe is a broader responsibility.
"It is extremely concerning that we do not know the source of the virus that has infected this dedicated aged care worker.
"Absolute vigilance and caution is required, both across the community and within aged care homes, because the virus can be transmitted before showing symptoms."
Residential aged care homes already have protocols in place for managing influenza outbreaks but Mr Rooney said it was vital that these were updated in response to coronavirus.
"This includes special guidance for staff, family and community members who may be at risk of transmitting the virus to aged care residents. Self-monitoring and strict compliance with official COVID-19 directions and service provider protocols is vital, especially regarding isolation rules."
LASA advised staff members were given special equipment to care for residents who present with suspected symptoms to minimise the risk of infection.
Virus spreads to facilities
The calls come after NSW Health confirmed an 82-year-old man from an aged care facility has been diagnosed with COVID-19 after an aged-care nurse at the facility tested positive for the virus.
The male resident is currently being cared for in hospital, while the aged-care nurse, a woman in her 50s, who had been caring for him also remains in hospital after testing positive yesterday.
A 95-year-old female resident who contracted the virus from the same Sydney facility died on Tuesday night.
Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant expressed deepest sympathy to her family.
Dr Chant paid thanks to BaptistCare, who operate the facility, for its quick response in supporting the public health response.
"As soon as this information was discovered, NSW Health personnel attended the facility where the woman worked, and assessed residents for respiratory illnesses including COVID-19," Dr Chant said.
