Coronavirus NSW: Sydney nurse with COVID-19 infected 10 while working

Ten people have been diagnosed with coronavirus at a Sydney nursing home after an infected nurse worked six shifts before testing positive.

Ten people have been diagnosed with coronavirus at a Sydney nursing home after an infected nurse worked for six days before testing positive.

The female nurse, who worked at Newmarch House nursing home in Caddens tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday afternoon.

The employee of the Anglicare facility had worked for several days while displaying coronavirus symptoms, according to the ABC.

The female nurse also worked two days at Greystanes Disability Services in Penrith while infected with COVID-19.

Subsequent tests revealed four residents and five other members of staff had contracted coronavirus, according to NSW Health.

NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant said the nurse had only felt mild symptoms was “absolutely mortified” when she found out she had the virus.

“That worker is incredibly distraught about the circumstances,” Dr Chant told reporters this morning.

“I would urge people to remember that the symptoms of COVID can be incredibly mild and the key point is do not go to work.

“It doesn’t matter how mild those symptoms are — runny nose, sore throat, just a scratchy throat in this case — please don’t go to work.

“And I would particularly urge you, if you were associated with providing care to the elderly, the aged and disability to have that incredibly high awareness of even minor changes in your health.”

The NSW Premier and Anglicare said the incident could be subject to a police investigation.

RELATED: Do you have a cold, flu or coronavirus?

RELATED: Coronavirus Australia live updates

Anglicare Newmarch House in Caddens. Picture: Jonathan Ng

The nurse had mild symptoms for six days before she tested positive for coronavirus. Picture: Jonathan Ng

The Newmarch facility has now placed all its residents and staff into quarantine, and all staff will be wearing full personal protective equipment when with residents.

All residents from the Greystanes Disability Services facility have also been placed into quarantine and both will undergo testing.

“We can’t cast blame automatically, let’s wait for the facts,” Premier Gladys Berejiklian said yesterday, stating the nurse may not have been aware she was infected.

“If anything intentionally was done that’s a huge issue and police will look into that.”

RELATED: How to protect the elderly, who are most at risk of death

RELATED: All the Australians who have died

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard also urged health workers or anyone dealing with vulnerable people “please don’t go to work” if they are feeling sick.

“No doubt she thought she was doing the right thing. Unfortunately, she wasn't doing the right thing,” Mr Hazzard said. “The message is if you are unwell, don’t go to work”.

— with AAP