
NSW Health has confirmed a second Anglicare aged care centre in St George and Sutherland Shire is in lockdown after a staff member tested positive to COVID-19.
Two COVID positive cases in as many days have led to the lockdown of both Anglicare aged care centres, Mildred Symons House residential aged care centre at Jannali, which is home to 122 residents, and the Mary Andrews Village at South Hurstville, which houses 50 residents.
Only one of the staff members had been vaccinated with one dose, while the other was unvaccinated.
The Leader reported yesterday that staff and residents of Mildred Symons House aged care at Jannali had undergone COVID-19 tests after a casual staff member tested positive.
It has since emerged another staff member worked at Anglicare's Mary Andrews Village at Hurstville for three days while infectious.
When contacted by the Leader yesterday, an Anglicare spokesman did not confirm there was a case linked to another centre.
The Leader asked NSW Health and South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) to comment yesterday.
In a statement provided to the Leader last night, a SESLHD spokeswoman said: "On Sunday, August 1, NSW Health was notified that a staff member at Anglicare Mary Andrews Village, Hurstville, had tested positive to COVID-19.
"It is understood that the worker was infectious while at work on Wednesday, July 28, Thursday, July 29 and Friday, July 30.
"The worker has received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine."
She said NSW Health had stepped in to assist following the diagnosis of the staff member.
"Residents at the facility have been tested on-site, as directed by NSW Health, and are being managed as close contacts as investigations continue," she said.
"Staff will be closely monitoring residents for any symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath.
"To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, NSW Health has recommended that no visitors or non-essential staff are permitted to enter Anglicare Mary Andrews Village, Hurstville, until further notice.
"South Eastern Sydney Local Health District is working closely with the facility to ensure the health and safety of all residents and staff is maintained."
The spokeswoman said NSW Health was notified on Saturday, July 31, that a staff member at Mildred Symons House at Jannali had tested positive to COVID-19.
"It is understood that the worker was infectious while at work overnight on Tuesday, July 27," she said.
"The worker was not vaccinated against COVID-19.
"NSW Health has stepped in to assist following the diagnosis of the staff member.
"Staff will be closely monitoring residents for any symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath.
"To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, NSW Health has recommended that no visitors or non-essential staff are permitted to enter Mildred Symons House, Jannali, until further notice.
"South Eastern Sydney Local Health District is working closely with the facility to ensure the health and safety of all residents and staff is maintained."
The spokeswoman said "enhanced cleaning and infection control measures" were in place at both centres, and residents at each facility had high vaccination rates.