Allowing aged care employees to work while close contacts is ‘a sensible step’, peak body says

There’s a federal push to allow aged care workers who are close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases to work with no isolation period during periods of “high impact” staff shortages.

Federal health authorities on Saturday released interim guidance on managing aged care workforce shortages caused by the pandemic.

Under the framework, aged care workers could return to work while still considered close contacts, but would have to self-isolate when not at work. They must have a PCR test followed by rapid antigen tests every 72 hours and must wear additional PPE.

Paul Sadler, CEO of Aged and Community Services Australia — the peak body for retirement living — says it’s “a sensible step”.

“It’s got risks attached to it … but we think in reality it has to be done,” he told Tony Jones, filling in for Neil Mitchell.

Mr Sadler says the measures would help ensure there’s adequate care available for aged care residents at all times.

“It does increase the chances that we can allow visits flexibly and make sure we’ve got enough staff to be helping the residents when they need it,” he said.

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