The department has prepared fact sheets for aged care staff, residents and families to assist in control of the outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). These fact sheets have been cleared through the Communicable Disease Network Australia and will be updated as new information becomes available.
While most infections are transmitted by people with symptoms of the disease, there are cases of coronavirus infection diagnosed in persons with minimal or no symptoms and it may be transmitted by people who have no symptoms. These factors highlight the need to take a highly precautionary approach.
Further information on novel coronavirus can be found on the department’s website.
We are aware that the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is also providing advice to the sector on this matter.