Darling Downs aged care homes battle Covid outbreaks

As Covid sickness and death continues to plague Toowoomba and surrounds, health authorities have revealed when the region is likely to hit its peak. Nursing home outbreak situation updates included.

THE deadly Covid wave in Toowoomba and surrounds is expected to hit in the coming weeks, health authorities have revealed.

Ninety residents have lost their lives in the Covid pandemic – two thirds of those have died in the past three months.

Darling Downs Health Covid-19 health incident controller Michelle Forrest said residents need to prioritise their health and stay at home if sick.

“State-wide modelling suggests that we should expect cases to peak in mid-August,” she said.

“Darling Downs Health has managed the recent increase of Covid-19 cases, and we are well prepared to continue this care across our communities.”

Sixty-eight patients remain in Darling Downs hospitals with Covid-19, one of which is in the ICU.

Aged care homes across the region have continued to battle Covid-19 outbreaks, with Palm Lake Care the latest to be cleared.

CEO Daniel Aitchison said while 44 residents and 32 employees had tested positive during the recent outbreak, only six staff remained infected.

“The employees of Palm Lake Care Toowoomba have been exceptional and continue to work under challenging times, not only for the Aged Care sector, but for the community as a whole,” he said.

“Sadly, two residents have passed away during this time, however they did not pass away while Covid positive, but within the 28-day reporting period as directed by the Department of Health.”

The Federal Government’s weekly reports claimed the two deaths, as well as 11 others across the region’s facilities, were due to Covid.

Mr Aitchison said the community would be open to visitors from today after the first case of this recent outbreak was detected on June 3.

Residents may have two visitors a day, and visitors must complete a RAT on arrival and wear a P2 mask.

Clifton Nursing Home has already been cleared of a Covid outbreak, after 23 residents and 18 staff were impacted.

As of July 22, Infinite Care Mount Lofty had 30 residents and 15 staff confirmed to have Covid-19, while three residents died during the reporting period.

The Southern Cross Care Tara – Tarcoola facility has recently reported an outbreak, with three residents and one staff Covid-positive since July 22.

The Darling Downs has 84 confirmed active cases currently under DDH care.