Close contact of COVID-19 case allegedly visited Sydney hospital while she was supposed to be in isolation
A Sydney hospital says it was not aware a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case had visited the site while she was required to be undertaking mandatory isolation until it was notified by authorities.
2GB's Ben Fordham this morning reported an elderly female patient attended Sydney's Macquarie University Hospital on Sunday 17 January for elective surgery.
READ MORE: Victoria marks two weeks of zero local cases, three found in hotel quarantine
READ MORE: New coronavirus mutations have experts worried
A close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case visited Macquarie University Hospital while she was supposed to be isolating. MQ Health
She is allegedly a close contact of a known COVID-19 case, and despite being told to self isolate until January 24, she attended the surgery without notifying staff of her status, Fordham reported.
Staff became aware of the woman's status as a close contact today when her daughter notified the hospital.
"Macquarie University Hospital was made aware by authorities that a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case had attended the hospital," a Macquarie University spokesperson told 9News.
"The contact had not disclosed their proximity to the confirmed COVID-19 case and following the disclosure from authorities we took steps to identify staff that may have come into contact with the patient as well as informing NSW Health.
"Macquarie University Hospital remains open and continues to follow all NSW Heath guidance in relation to hospital admissions."
READ MORE: Pfizer vaccine safe for Australians despite reports of Norway deaths
The woman tested negative to COVID-19 yesterday, but there were concerns around 30 hospital staff could have been exposed to the virus.
She has reportedly been moved to a private room so she can continue her isolation.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
Most viewed in Australia
‘Unimaginable loss’: Two children killed in horror crash on the way home from school
Blanche d’Alpuget, writer and widow of Bob Hawke, dies aged 82
Boxing coach’s shooting death not linked to gang feud, police say
‘Not one phone call, letter… nothing’: Family’s distress over huge ‘redevelopment’ project at famous Perth cemetery