Rapid COVID-19 testing mandated at 11 Victorian aged care homes in Australian first

Anyone visiting one of TLC Healthcare’s 11 aged care home in Melbourne and Geelong will now be required to undergo a rapid COVID-19 test.

In a national first, the aged care provider has mandated rapid antigen testing for visitors, as well as staff and contractors who are unable to get vaccinated due to medical conditions.

CEO of TLC Healthcare, Lou Pascuzzi, says all eligible residents, staff and contractors are fully-vaccinated, but he saw what was happening in NSW and wanted to provide an extra level of protection.

“We saw what was happening in NSW — 27 homes with outbreaks, over 150 residents in hospital, 15 residents that have passed away,” he told Ross and Russel.

“So we had to find something that would minimise the outbreaks once we move to … open up again.

“Rapid antigen testing … for all visitors and staff who were ineligible to be vaccinated is a a great layer of protection to avoid any outbreaks in our homes.

“It can be done. Why not do it?”

Press PLAY below to hear more about the Australian first