As we know, the Victorian Government yesterday confirmed a positive COVID-19 case in Mildura, who acquired the infection from outside the region.
So far one exposure site has been published by the Victorian Government – Dan Murphy's in Fifteenth Street, between 3pm and 3.35pm on Friday 3 September.
Anyone who visited this site during these times is urged to get tested immediately and isolate until they receive a negative test.
Given the events of the past 48 hours I thought it helpful to provide a little background to the work that goes on behind the scenes to reassure the community of the readiness of local agencies in these situations.
When there is a positive COVID-19 case in our region, the response at a local level is overseen by a pandemic coordination group. This group includes representatives from Council, Mallee District Aboriginal Services, Sunraysia Community Health Service, Primary Health Network, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, Mildura Base Public Hospital and Victoria Police.
Our role at Council is to coordinate this group, supporting and working with local authorities to follow state health directions when and where needed.
This includes sharing information and updates with the community, providing logistical support in setting up testing sites, and bringing together services as required. These include Bendigo Health Service, which helps out with staffing support, or Barratt & Smith Pathology which helps out with testing. We are lucky to have great support among our agencies who are always willing to help as needed.
Direction and release of information remain the role of the Victorian Government and health authorities.
One of the first actions taken by this group early yesterday was preparation for a drive-through testing site at the Aerodrome Ovals. This will ensure a quick response to any spike in demand for testing if needed. At present this site has not been activated as existing testing services are coping very well with the current demand.
The pandemic coordination group is well prepared and ready to respond when called upon, and in frequent contact with Victorian Government health authorities.
As the government releases more information local agencies, including Council, will share this with the community. Residents can also keep up-to-date by visiting www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/
At this stage there are two main testing sites:
Sunraysia Community Health Services (only for those with symptoms, by appointment)
137 Thirteenth Street, Mildura
5021 7653
Bookings: www.hotdoc.com.au
If you're contacted by the Victorian Government please call 5022 5444.
Barratt & Smith Pathology
127 Langtree Avenue, Mildura (walk-in, rear-lane access via Shillidays Lane)
5055 0400
Please only come forward for testing if you've been notified as a primary close contact, have been to the exposure site during the times indicated, or have any symptoms. This will help avoid unnecessary wait times, and allow people who need to get tested to do so.
Martin Hawson
Acting Chief Executive Officer
Mildura Rural City Council
