A royal commission has heard the aged care sector still isn't properly prepared to deal with the challenges posed by COVID-19.
Senior counsel assisting the aged care royal commission, Peter Rozen, says all of the problems in the sector caused by the pandemic were foreseeable as early as January.
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Mr Rozen has told the commission the sector wasn't properly prepared for coronavirus before large outbreaks occurred in Sydney aged care facilities Newmarch House and Dorothy Henderson Lodge in March and April.
The lessons of those two outbreaks was not properly conveyed to the sector, and as a result, the sector was not properly prepared in June 2020 when we witnessed high levels of community transmission of the virus in Melbourne, and based on the evidence that you've heard, the sector is not properly prepared now.
Residents in metropolitan Melbourne are subject to stay-at-home orders and can only leave home for food and essential supplies, work, study, exercise or care responsibilities. People are also advised to wear masks in public.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
