Only one active COVID case remaining at Opal South Valley aged care facility

There is encouraging news for a Highton aged care facility after an outbreak resulted in 31 residents contracting coronavirus, with eight later dying following infection.

THERE is only one active coronavirus case at Highton aged care home Opal South Valley, after more than 20 residents recovered.

Thirty-one residents, including eight who have died, have contracted coronavirus since an outbreak emerged in late July.

An Opal Aged Care spokeswoman confirmed there was now only a single COVID positive case at Opal South Valley.

Opal South Valley aged care. Picture: Peter Ristevski

“This is down from 31 residents who have contracted the virus since the first case was identified, and no resident has contracted COVID for more than two weeks – since 17 August,” the spokeswoman said.

“This means that COVID has almost been entirely eliminated from South Valley.

“While it is always possible there could be a further outbreak owing to the current 4,300+ community transmissions in Victoria, we are now actively moving to recovery phase.”

Twenty-one staff members from the facility have tested positive.

“We continue to work closely with our partners in care, including Barwon Health, to ensure we remain as vigilant as ever in protecting our residents and team,” the Opal Aged Care spokeswoman said.

Originally published as Only one active COVID case remaining at Opal South Valley aged care facility