Coronavirus cases among Victoria's nurses reach frightening levels
More than 900 healthcare workers in Victoria have coronavirus, with a significant surge in cases seen on Friday.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced 450 new COVID infections just after 12pm – 139 of which work in the medical field.
"To date, there are 1527 confirmed cases in healthcare workers...there are currently 911 healthcare workers who are active cases,” Mr Andrews said.
Victoria Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said the increase in coronavirus among healthcare staff is “very concerning” and called it “a very big number.”
“In our hospital system, nurses are more represented in these healthcare workers numbers than doctors. The number of doctors is much less,” he said.
“That, I think, relates to the closeness of interaction that nurses are engaged in with their care provision.”
Mr Sutton said many of the cases in healthcare workers are aged care workers and “some of the ancillary staff in healthcare.”
“In terms of the stresses and strains on staffing, it is not insignificant,” he said.
Dr Stephen Parnis, former vice president of the Australian Medical Association, Tweeted on Friday that the growth in healthcare workers is “nothing short of alarming”.
“More must be done to retrofit the health system to reduce our risk. Responses are patchy and slower than they should be. Open disclosure is essential,” he said.
Victoria records 11 more deaths
Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed the deaths on Friday, which take the state toll to 181 and the national toll to 266.
A woman in her 50s, two men in their 70s, three men and three women in their 80s, and two women in their 90s are the latest victims.
Of the new deaths, seven are linked to aged care.
with AAP
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