COVID NOW CLOSER

QUEENSLAND’S COVID-19 cases now number 30, after a Laidley aged-care worker recorded a positive test result. Queensland Health workers spent yesterday testing residents and staff members of Karinya Place in a bid to prevent the spread of the deadly virus through the facility. Authorities praised the facility’s response to the situation.

REGIONAL aged-care home Karinya Place is working closely with state and federal health departments to prevent the spread of COVID-19 through its facility after a staff member tested positive.

The staff member, who did not have direct contact with residents, is in quarantine at home and did not work while experiencing symptoms.

Staff they came into contact with are now self-isolating as a precaution.

Karinya Place is run by aged care and retirement village provider Carinity and has capacity for 63 residents.

The Karinya Place staff member was one of two new cases in Queensland yesterday, with the other a close contact of the staff member. They are both in their 30s. Testing of residents and staff began as soon as West Moreton Health was notified of a positive COVID-19 case on Wednesday night.

Testing continued at the facility yesterday.

Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeanette Young praised Karinya Place for its response, saying the facility had handled the situation “beautifully”.

Dr Young said the facility had a COVID-safe plan, which meant all staff were using personal protective equipment.

Moving forward, Dr Young said she believed the facility had spare capacity they would be using to make sure each resident had their own amenities.

“The staff member worked in a staff area. They didn’t have contact directly with any of the residents, so the staff members they did have contact with will all go into quarantine,” Dr Young said.

Carinity in a statement said it was working closely with Queensland Health and the Federal Department of Health to prevent the spread of infection within the facility.

“Carinity’s number-one priority is providing a safe home for our residents and a safe workplace for our team.

“Staff have been adhering to strict hygiene protocols and social distancing measures since March and have been well trained in the use of personal protective equipment which they have been using in accordance with State Health Directives.”