By Luke Voogt
Four Geelong residents have died after contracting COVID-19 including three at Opal South Valley aged care in Highton.
An Opal spokesperson confirmed a third resident died in hospital on Tuesday.
“We are saddened to confirm that a resident who was COVID-19 positive and was being cared for at the University Hospital Geelong, passed away yesterday,” they said on Wednesday.
“We would like to extend our sympathy to the family at this difficult time.
“We also thank the dedicated and compassionate team who cared for the resident, both the Barwon Health hospital team and our Opal team at South Valley.”
So far 28 residents at the centre, including the three who died, and 12 employees have been confirmed positive for COVID-19.
“Five residents who have been confirmed positive are being cared for in hospital,” the Opal spokesperson said.
The company was continuing to receive negative results for employees who had self-isolated as a precaution, the spokesperson said.
Those employees were preparing to return to work under the guidance of infection experts at Barwon Health, they said.
“Opal South Valley team members, who had been isolating and have now been cleared by the experts at Barwon Health, continue to return to work.
“This is good news for our residents who are reassured to see the carers they know well, and with whom they have long-standing relationships, back in the home.
“We thank all of our partners in care, particularly Barwon Health and the ADF for their tireless contributions as we work together to protect the safety of our residents and team.”
A worker at Golden Farms Poultry processing plant also died after contracting coronavirus.
Kelvin Nguyen died alone in his Newcomb home and was found by emergency workers on Sunday afternoon, according to reports.
Turosi, which owns the plant, confirmed a 51-year-old employee, who had worked with the company for 15 years, had died after contracting COVID-19.
“Our sincere sympathy goes out to his family and friends,” Turosi chief executive officer Phil Hand said.
