More cases at Opal home in Highton

MORE staff and residents from a Highton aged care facility in the grips of a COVID-19 outbreak have tested positive for coronavirus.

Since Monday, two more staff members and six more residents from Opal South Valley have returned positive results from further coronavirus testing, Barwon Health confirmed.

In total, seven staff and 24 residents, including a resident who died as a result of COVID-19 last week, have tested positive for coronavirus.

Barwon Health spokeswoman Kate Bibby on Wednesday said five residents were hospital inpatients and none had required intensive care.

“The residents who are confirmed with COVID-19, and any residents with symptoms, are reviewed by a medical practitioner onsite each day,” Ms Bibby said.

“Testing is continuing for any residents or staff who experience symptoms.

“Barwon Health is providing ongoing clinical support at the site, including infection prevention advice.”

Ms Bibby said re-testing started on Wednesday for staff who had been self-isolating to assist in determining when they could return to work.

Opal South Valley went into lockdown on July 27 after a personal care assistant tested positive for coronavirus the night before.

Australian Defence Force members were brought in this week to help tackle the outbreak.

An Opal Aged Care spokeswoman said multiple procedures were in place to ensure the best possible care and minimise the risk as much as possible to other residents.

Procedures included residents isolating in their rooms, and team members wearing full PPE and being restricted to working in designated areas of the home to minimise contact with other staff and residents.

“Residents who are COVID-negative are checked at least three times daily for any signs or symptoms,” the spokeswoman said.