Coronavirus Australia Updates: Minister insists Federal Government had a COVID-19 plan for nursing homes

The Aged Care Minister has insisted the Federal Government did have a plan to deal with COVID-19 in nursing homes, despite the findings of the Aged Care Royal Commission.

The commission fast-tracked a special report looking at the response to COVID-19 in aged care homes.

It found that while there was a broader health sector plan, there was not one that specifically addressed aged care despite residents being particularly vulnerable to the infection.

Minister Richard Colbeck said there has been a plan in place and it will continue to evolve throughout the crisis.

– WA healthcare worker in quarantine

It’s been revealed a West Australian healthcare worker is now in quarantine after she didn’t wear personal protective equipment while meeting crew members of a coronavirus infected ship in Port Hedland.

The woman approached the crew of the Patricia Oldendorff on Friday as they disembarked from the ship.

The Premier Mark McGowan says he’s disappointed by the behaviour which he has described as “silly”.

Mr McGowan says the worker has tested negative to the virus but has been put in quarantine today as a precaution.

“It’s not a good situation, we were very very unhappy when we learnt about this but we put her in quarantine,” he said.

“I expect there will be further tests done as well, but she is negative as a result of a test done today.”