The number of Coronavirus cases at the Newmarch House nursing home in Caddens has risen to 15.
NSW Health confirmed this morning that nine residents and six staff have tested positive.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said there is a major focus on the nursing home.
“I understand a significant portion of the nursing home has been tested,” Dr Chant said.
“Clearly it is a priority for us to identify all cases. There’s intensive infection control emphasis on the aged care facility.
“We’re trying to do all we can to stop it further spreading in that nursing home.”
The outbreak at the nursing home started when a health care worker who was not showing symptoms attended work, and later tested positive for the virus.
Initially, Health Minister Brad Hazzard had claimed the worker was showing signs of illness and continued to work for six days, but this has since been confirmed as untrue by police.
This morning, Premier Gladys Berejiklian backtracked on her Minister’s original comments.
“I think everybody feels for her because I know how I’d feel if I unintentionally passed the disease on to everybody and I feel for her and want to tell her directly that she did nothing wrong,” she said.
“Dr Chant and those who know about the matter know that she’s very upset about what has occurred and all of us empathise with her.”
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.