Almost 290 COVID-19 outbreaks were active in Australian aged care homes this week
Recent data indicates changes in the current COVID-19 outbreaks — are you affected?
![<p>While COVID-19 has been around for a number of years, outbreaks of the virus still occur across Australia, affecting aged care residents. [Source: Shutterstock]</p>](https://agedcareguide-assets.imgix.net/news/articles/wp/holdhands1401.jpg?fm=pjpg&format=auto&w=550&q=65)
While COVID-19 has been around for a number of years, outbreaks of the virus still occur across Australia, affecting aged care residents. [Source: Shutterstock]
Disclaimer: This is the latest information available at the time of publication. Refer to the Department of Health and Aged Care for updated reports and data regarding COVID-19 active cases.
Key points:
- The Department of Health and Aged Care recently released a COVID-19 report update, including data of approximately 1,900 active COVID-19 cases
- Eighty-two COVID-19 outbreaks are active in New South Wales aged care homes, with 73 aged care homes in Queensland also affected as of January 9, 2025
- When visitors aren’t allowed because of COVID-19 outbreaks, using other ways to stay connected can help prevent loneliness
As of January 9, 2025, more than 1,900 active COVID-19 cases were reported in 289 active aged care home outbreaks, affecting many aged care residents and their families.
The total number of Australian aged care homes with active COVID-19 outbreaks was 287 on January 9, 2025, with New South Wales and Queensland most affected. The reported COVID-19 outbreaks are as follows:
- Australian Captial Territory — zero outbreaks;
- New South Wales — 82 outbreaks;
- Northern Territory — zero outbreaks;
- Queensland — 73 outbreaks;
- South Australia — 28 outbreaks;
- Tasmania — five outbreaks;
- Victoria — 64 outbreaks; and
- Western Australia — 25 outbreaks.
Additionally, 13 residents died from COVID-19 between January 2 and January 9, 2025, however, data trends suggest that this number is lower than in previous years.
In 2020, 33 percent of residents infected with COVID-19 died in Australian residential aged care homes, compared to 1.8 percent of infected residents in 2024, highlighting the effectiveness of current virus management.
The World Health Organization emphasised that while ‘COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against serious disease and death, no vaccine is 100 percent effective.’
Australians aged 75 years and over are recommended to have a COVID-19 vaccine dose every six months. People who have a weakened immune system or are aged 65 years and over are recommended to have booster COVID-19 vaccines once a year according to the Department of Health and Aged Care.
COVID-19 vaccinations are still free for everyone in Australia and are funded by the Australian Government. Pharmacy chains such as Priceline, Chemist Warehouse and Star Discount Chemist offer COVID-19 vaccinations. Call your local store or book online if you’re interested in a booster vaccination.
People in aged care homes may be at greater risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 compared to other populations for a number of reasons, such as older people having reduced immune systems; living in close proximity to others and using shared areas, such as communal living rooms.
Additionally, if one visitor goes to the aged care home without knowing they are infected, this could spread to other residents, causing a COVID-19 outbreak.
If you are infected with COVID-19, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medicines such as Paxlovid and Lagevrio, which contain molnupiravir. These medicines are taken orally as tablets and help your immune system fight infection and prevent the virus from spreading.
If an outbreak of COVID-19 occurs in your aged care homes, certain measures may be taken to ensure the safety of residents and aged care workers including:
- staff members using personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves;
- isolation of infected residents from others in the aged care home;
- access only for essential visitors; and
- increased cleaning and disinfection of communal areas.
However, even when visitors cannot enter the aged care home physically, connecting with family and friends is possible with technology.
Learn more about how to help an older person use a smartphone with the Aged Care Guide. Using technology such as smartphones and tablets, e.g. iPads, means you can make phone or video calls with loved ones, even if you aren’t able to meet in person.
If you have had COVID-19 previously, you still may be experiencing symptoms even after testing shows that you are no longer infected.
Long-term effects and symptoms such as extreme tiredness, joint and muscle pain and problems with concentration may be related to ‘Long COVID,’ which can last for weeks to months.
Chat with your doctor or health care professional if you are concerned about Long COVID symptoms.
Have you experienced COVID-19 in your aged care home?
Let the team at Talking Aged Care know on social media.
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