Richard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians) Share this | Hansard source

Under the Aged Care Quality Standards, aged-care homes are expected to take steps to prevent, detect and control the spread of infections. Indeed, facilities should already be prepared for other viruses, such as seasonal peaks of influenza virus. Infection control is paramount. Homes are required to have in place an effective infection prevention and control program that is in line with the national guidelines. Aged-care homes should also have established protocols in place to manage any health emergencies that arise, including service-wide infection outbreaks or broader community epidemics such as COVID-19. An aged-care home provider emergency plan would consider first steps if infection is suspected; arrangements to ensure adequate care of the infected individual; protection measures for other residents, visitors and staff; and notification of families, carers and relevant authorities.