NSW Health is investigating how a woman in permanent care at a Westhaven facility in Dubbo contracted the potentially-deadly coronavirus, COVID-19.
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Not-for-profit Westhaven confirmed on Friday morning the 61-year-old woman "with a range of congenital health challenges" remained in a critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit of Dubbo Hospital.
Its chief executive officer (CEO) Andrew Everett advised of 14 Westhaven staff members and the woman's housemates going into self-isolation.
On Friday he was awaiting the results of tests for the coronavirus.
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"As a precautionary measure and following advice from NSW Health, 14 staff have been sent home to self isolate," Mr Everett said.
"Westhaven and NSW Health have been in regular contact with these staff.
"The other participants in the group home are currently self-isolating.
"Staff are continuing to support them and are using personal protective equipment to reduce the risk of any further infection."
The CEO said Westhaven was following all NSW Health guidelines and advice.
The testing regime was managed by NSW Health, he said.
"We are awaiting results, but at this point there have been no other positive results," Mr Everett said.
Westhaven has about 250 "participants" living in 76 properties at Dubbo, Orange and Broken Hill.
When coronavirus began spreading in Australia, it took steps to protect them and staff.
"Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis in Australia we ceased all non-essential services including community and day programs and our Westhaven Business Services," Mr Everett said.
"Westhaven has introduced social distancing, provided additional infection-control training to all staff, increased hand-cleaning stations and restricted access from external parties to our properties.
"In addition, we have recently closed our head office with corporate staff working from home."
Mr Everett told how the charity was working to stop the spread of COVID-19.
"We are taking all advice from NSW Health and implementing every mitigating process to minimise the likelihood of this," he said.
"This includes using appropriate protective equipment, social distancing, additional handwashing procedures and appropriate self- isolation."
In a statement posted on Westhaven's website on Thursday night, the CEO said "we are doing everything possible to keep them safe" and praised his staff for their "heroic efforts supporting some of the most vulnerable in the community".
"All our thoughts are with our client, her friends and family," he said.
The 61-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital "early this week".