A total of ten people including six staff members and four residents tested positive for COVID-19 at Anglicare’ Newmarch House aged care facility in western Sydney yesterday.
This sad news comes days after it was revealed that a nurse worked four shifts at this particular facility despite showing visible symptoms of the COVID-19 virus – which she later tested positive for.
Testing across Sydney’s inner-west has increased dramatically over the last few days as some of the identified cases of COVID-19 are proving difficult for health authorities to trace.
“In those areas, we have diagnosed identified cases of COVID-19 where there aren’t clear links to clusters and so we want to assure ourselves that there is not broader community transition,” NSW Chief Health Officer Dr. Kerry Chant told reporters on Tuesday.
Earlier this week, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the worker had put vulnerable people at risk.
“The simple message here is if you’re working at an aged care facility, you are working with some of our most vulnerable people in (the) community, please just don’t go,” said Mr. Hazzard.
NSW’s total number of confirmed cases on Tuesday rose by seven to 2870, with 32 patients in intensive care. The death toll remains at 26.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she was glad to see the COVID-19 curve flatten in NSW but warned the virus could quickly reappear if social restrictions were not heeded.
“While we’re encouraged by the reduction in the number of cases every day, it’s really up to us to continue to follow the restrictions and do what we’ve been asked,” Ms Berejiklian told reporters.
Photo Credit -iStock – kieferpix
There really is NO EXCUSE for her behavior. What she has done borders on criminal negligence.
I can not believe that this woman did not realize she had the virus she is a nurse for goodness sake doesn’t she speak English or something I hope the book is thrown at her in everyway possible The heartache and pain she has caused is unbelievable She says she is sorry that is just not good enough I wonder how many more people will get this virus as a result of her negligence maybe she has link to the Chinese government?????
She claims that she didn’t know she had COVID-19, however she admits that she knew she was unwell but went to work anyway. To me this indicates that she valued her pay cheque above the health of her residents & for that she should be asked to leave the industry. She clearly is not cut out to work with vulnerable people.