News
A safe and cautious reopening on the cards for MTHCS
Thu, 24 Sep 2020 21:00:00
COMMUNITY and volunteer services across the Mallee will have a planned, safe and cautious return amid the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, according to the head of the region’s health service.
With regional areas now on the “Third Step” of the Victorian Government’s roadmap to reopening the state, Mallee Track Health and Community Service Chief Executive Officer Lois O’Callaghan said it was important to plan a safe, steady and sustainable reinstatement of services that is in line with the Chief Health Officer’s advice.
“Continued low numbers of COVID-19 cases across regional Victoria indicates this deadly virus is coming under control, but we are not going to rush into returning services and risk the health of our communities,” she said.
“We’ve all come so far and made so many sacrifices, the last thing anyone wants to do is take a backward step, so we will be taking time to ensure we understand the new directions for the Third Step and apply them safely and cautiously.”
After weeks of Stay at Home restrictions, many local community groups and volunteer networks are increasingly keen to resume their activities, but Ms O’Callaghan said the return of MTHCS social support groups and volunteer activities would be planned carefully. Reinstatement will only occur when the Chief Health Officer directions allow.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have followed the advice of the Chief Health Officer and Department of Health and Human Services – we will continue to do so because protecting the health of our communities is our top priority,” she said.
“We understand everyone is relieved the restrictions are easing, but this pandemic is not over and we have to get used to living our lives with the threat of COVID-19 being in our communities.
“It’s so important we keep doing all the things that have kept us safe so far - practice good hand hygiene; maintain physical distancing; if you feel unwell, get tested and stay home until you have your result.”
With the Victorian school holidays now underway, Ms O’Callaghan urged families to think about keeping themselves and their communities safe and healthy.
“Regional Victorians are privileged with travel to other regional areas allowed – travel to Melbourne is not permissible, unless on essential grounds. We ask everyone to be cautions and careful and, if you do travel, take care wherever you go and assume others may be carrying the virus,” she said.
Ms O’Callaghan also reminded local residents not to travel if they, or someone they are travelling with, feels unwell.
“If you feel unwell, you should not travel. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, however mild, you should get tested, return home immediately after the test and remain in self-isolation until you receive your test result,” she said.
The COVID-19 symptoms are fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, and loss of sense of smell. The test is free for everyone.
MTHCS medical clinics in Sea Lake and Ouyen continue to provide COVID-19 testing for those with COVID-19 symptoms.
Community members are asked to call ahead before arriving to be tested and to be tested early in the day, to ensure swabs can be sent to pathology laboratories for analysis as soon as possible.
MTHCS can be contacted on 5092 1111 for further information.
Pictured: Mallee Track Health and Community Services Director of Community Services Lyndal Munro and Community & Social Support Manager Nadiene Lynch planning a safe and cautious reopening of MTHCS community and volunteer services.