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ACIPC is calling for immediate action as COVID-19 outbreaks surge in residential aged care.
In a new media release, the College, while praising Infection prevention and control professionals’ response in managing high levels of outbreaks, is urging health authorities to strengthen measures beyond vaccination, highlighting the need for improved air quality, access to protective equipment, and reinforced environmental controls.
Aged care facilities across Australia are currently experiencing a concerning rise in COVID-19 outbreaks, with case numbers steadily increasing since May. Reports in July identified 241 active outbreaks, with 1,159 residents and 438 staff testing positive, and 138 resident deaths reported in June alone.
“Vaccination is a vital protection, but it must be supported by broader infection prevention and control (IPC) measures,” said ACIPC President A/Prof Stéphane Bouchoucha. “The risk of transmission in aged care is exacerbated by shared communal spaces, poor ventilation, increased visitor access, and the relaxation of key infection prevention strategies.”
Contributing factors to the outbreaks include lagging booster uptake, relaxed IPC practices, and a surge in community interactions within facilities. ACIPC emphasises that improving indoor air quality—through ventilation, air filtration and CO₂ monitoring—must become standard practice in all aged care and healthcare settings.
ACIPC is calling for a coordinated national response to include:
• Improved access to essential resources including PPE (particulate filter respirators), rapid antigen and PCR testing, and antiviral treatment
• Engineering and environmental controls, including improved ventilation and air filtration, reviewed and maintained across all aged care and healthcare settings
• Continued community engagement in prevention strategies: vaccination, appropriate mask use, testing when appropriate, and staying home when unwell
“Protecting vulnerable residents requires a layered approach,” A/Prof Bouchoucha said. “Clean air, proper protective equipment, and strong IPC strategies must be prioritised to reduce transmission, limit outbreaks, and save lives. The expertise of IPC professionals is essential to safeguard the health and well-being of residents and staff, they must be prioritised and supported by aged care providers.”
Read more in ACIPC’s Position Statement Current and continuing impact of COVID-19.