The Department of Health has today confirmed that seven healthcare workers have returned safely home on a charter flight from Victoria.
These workers were part of the initial WA Health team sent to assist health colleagues in Victoria as part of their COVID-19 response and have completed 14 days’ quarantine in Victorian hotels.
One staff member who returned a positive COVID-19 test result recovered while in Victoria and is clear of the virus. The other six nurses all returned negative results to COVID-19 testing.
This special charter flight departed from Perth, collected the nurses and returned directly to WA – meaning the nurses will not have to serve an additional 14 days’ quarantine upon their return to WA. This plan was based on advice of the Chief Health Officer, to ensure there was no impact to the WA community.
These nurses, who all did a phenonemal job assisting the Victorian community, are now at home with their families.
The deployment was aided by on-the-ground support staff from the WA Department of Health and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES).
ENDS
Notes: The seven returning nurses have requested they are not approached for media interviews. The Department will work to provide media with vision opportunities in coming weeks, as appropriate.
Media contact: 9222 4333
Follow us on Twitter: @WAHealth