In 2023-24, there were 119,652 resident cases and 53,282 staff cases of COVID-19, both higher than the previous year, according to the Department of Health and Aged Care's 144-page Report on the Operation of the Aged Care Act.
There were 2,134 resident deaths in 2023-24, a decline on the previous year, but still accounted for more than 40 deaths on average a week.
"COVID-19 has multiple peaks each year with differing lengths and intensity showing that it is not seasonal, nor predictable," said the report.
"This goes some way to indicate that COVID-19 is a continuous threat and aged care homes must remain continuously vigilant."
The large majority of Australia's approximately 2,600 aged care homes experienced outbreaks in 2023-24, with 2,238 residential aged care homes having at least one COVID-19 outbreak.
Of the homes with outbreaks, 1,661 experienced two or more outbreaks over the 12-month period.
The Aged Care Outbreak Management Support Supplement was introduced in February 2024, replacing COVID-19 grants. The Supplement is intended to help providers buy rapid antigen tests (RATs), personal protective equipment (PPE), and pay for additional workers if needed. The supplement equites to $2.18 per occupied bed per day.
