The ABC this morning reported that there would be 470 new COVID-19 cases, a significant decrease from yesterday’s figure which stood at 725 and 15 deaths – 12 from aged care.

The facility that was struck by COVID-19 has links to 159 coronavirus cases and 23 deaths. Reports in The Age said it is set to reopen under its previous management.

St Basil’s administration is preparing for the repatriation of residents as early as this Friday. The return of the 80 patients scattered around hospitals will be gradual with those who have tested positive to COVID-19 in a different area as the rest.

The facility has been deep cleaned and Konstantin Kontis, St Basil’s director, told Neos Kosmos that preparations are underway. “We are taking all necessary measures in collaboration with government authorities for the return of our residents to their familiar environment to offer them the best of care,”

On Thursday, Victorian State Coroner Judge John Cain announced the commencement of an investigation into the deaths of five residents at St Basil’s Home for the Aged, according to reports in The Guardian. Victoria Police have been directed to compile a coronial brief of evidence with the investigation to be determined following the receipt of the brief.

READ MORE: Elderly residents to return to St Basil’s as early as Friday

The investigation is ongoing but the management of St Basil’s told Neos Kosmos that they have not officially been notified of this.