The serious gastro bug swept through Sundale Garden Village at Nambour over Christmas, affecting three aged-care facilities.

Two have been re-opened but hopes of re-opening the third and largest – the James Grimes facility – this weekend were dashed when another resident came down with symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting and intense nausea on Saturday.

Sundale CEO Glenn Bunney said about 30 residents had contracted the virus in the past few weeks.

Queensland Health procedures required immediate lockdown to try to stop the virus spreading throughout the village and affecting more than 200 residents.

“Due to another elder displaying symptoms we have had no option than to maintain the infection control priorities in the James Grimes Care Centre and maintain lockdown at this stage until Tuesday – 72 hours after the last episode,” Mr Bunney said.

“The episode was in one of the wings that was due to re-open this weekend, so it was thought more appropriate to maintain the status quo until we get approval from Population Health (in Qld Health).”

Friends and families of the 117 James Grimes Nursing home residents were advised the lockdown meant they could not spend Christmas with their loved ones.

Sundale plans to reschedule the December 25 festivities to later in January.

“We hope this will soon be behind us and we can begin planning our Christmas in January celebration,” Mr Bunney said.