Newmarch nursing home confirms another coronavirus death, taking national toll to 97

A 16th resident of the Newmarch House aged care facility in Sydney has died after testing positive to coronavirus, taking the national death toll to 97.

A security guard stands in the driveway as flowers are seen left at the entrance to Anglicare Newmarch House aged care home in Kingswood, Sydney.

A security guard stands in the driveway as flowers are seen left at the entrance to Anglicare Newmarch House aged care home in Kingswood, Sydney. Source: AAP

Another elderly resident from the Newmarch House nursing home has died after testing positive for COVID-19, becoming the 16th fatality at the Sydney facility.

The resident's death on Tuesday morning takes the NSW toll to 46 and the national tally to 97.

"We extend our sincere condolences to the family for whom this is both distressing and tragic," operator Anglicare said in a statement.
"The incredibly contagious nature of the virus is evidenced by the fact that in the past 24 hours three staff members of Newmarch House have tested positive."

Anglicare said the latest staff members to test positive are now self-isolating.

The nursing home is conducting daily testing of all employees before they begin their shifts. NSW Health says 94 staff were tested on Monday.
To date, 37 residents and almost 30 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 at the facility near Penrith.

"Residents continue to have the choice of being cared for in the facility through hospital-in-the-home or being treated in Nepean Hospital depending on their advanced care directive and their own personal wishes," the health department said in a statement on Tuesday.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.

Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.

The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store.

SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at .


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Published 5 May 2020 4:33pm


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