Gosford Hospital worker the first of 12-person coronavirus cluster connected to site
A health worker infected with coronavirus has unknowingly led to 12 confirmed cases at a Gosford Hospital ward.
Central Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Central Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Central Coast coronavirus: Locals urged to report tourists to police
- Central Coast coronavirus: Childcare case confirmed as 3-year-old
A healthcare worker at Gosford Hospital had unknowlingly contracted COVID-19, leading to known infections of five fellow staff members, two patients and four others related to those receiving care.
Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) confirmed the “12 linked COVID-19 cases” at an inpatient ward and stated Gosford Hospital remained opened and operational. The patients were hospitalised for non-COVID-19 issues.
The inpatient ward has since been clinically cleaned and turned into a dedicated low risk virus unit.
Earlier on Thursday NSW Health reported that the 12 cases closed down a ward with six staff, two patients and four close contacts diagnosed with COVID-19.
It is understood the six healthcare workers from the inpatient unit were the first to test positive.
“All are in self-isolation at home,” a CCLHD spokeswoman said.
“All close contacts of these confirmed cases (including healthcare workers and patients) have been identified and isolated.
“Two of these patients already in the hospital tested positive to COVID-19 and remain in isolation in the hospital and recovering well, with their close contacts identified.
“As part of this contact tracing an additional four family member confirmed cases were identified and isolated.”
The spokeswoman said there had been no impact to hospital services, with no cause for concern among patients and staff.
She said CCLHD had strict tracing and screening procedures for confirmed COVID-19 healthcare worker cases and their contacts.
“CCLHD investigates these cases closely in order to reduce the risk of transmission within our healthcare setting. Staff health screening is carried out on all healthcare workers at the start of each shift.”
Central Coast cases have remained stable at 121, however almost half of those have now recovered.
“The majority of these cases acquired the infection from overseas exposure,” the CCLHD spokeswoman said.
“59 cases have recovered. All other confirmed cases and their close contacts are in isolation, including two in hospital.”
The latest jump in numbers comes after the coast’s first childcare case was reported this week.
A 3-year-old from Woodport Early Learning Centre was diagnosed with COVID-19.
At this stage, no other cases have been reported at the centre with the child not having attended since mid-March.
Kincumber High School has also avoided any more COVID-19 cases after a student tested positive, forcing the school to close for a day on April 1.
A majority of the coast’s cases have emerged in the Gosford postcode area, with numbers in the 2250 postcode now at 35.
Some of the cases are believed to have come from the Stanwell Tops wedding, along with the Ruby Princess cruise which is currently under investigation.
The Central Coast recorded it’s first case on March 13.