23 December 2020










A media release from the Victorian Aged Care Response Centre giving an update on how it is working to protect senior Australians from COVID-19.
The Victorian Aged Care Response Centre (VACRC) is coordinating testing of asymptomatic staff in Victorian aged care facilities.
Since late October, the cumulative total of tests recorded in 728 individual private aged care facilities is 53,153 staff.
VACRC is working closely with the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services to align testing requirements. The Australian Government's testing program has scheduled residential aged care facilities' workforce to be tested fortnightly in metropolitan Melbourne, and monthly in regional Victoria.
Meeting ongoing needs
The Victorian Aged Care Response Centre (VACRC) is continuing to support and work with the health services hub network, Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Public Health Unit, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, the independent Older Persons Advocacy Network and residential aged care facilities to meet the ongoing needs and requirements of residents, staff, families and associated communities.
The Victorian Aged Care Response Centre is a joint arrangement between the federal and state governments, bringing together more than 150 staff from 28 agencies. Its priorities are focused on:
Care and safety of residents
Safety of staff
Unifying effort across agencies
Rapid identification and prioritisation of outbreaks
Rapid response and intervention
Prevention of outbreaks
Effective communication and engagement
Preserving the health care system
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