News

COVID-19 safety still top priority in Mallee

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 04:36:00

MALLEE residents are being urged to “hold the line” when it comes to COVID-19 safety.

While COVID-19 restrictions have eased in recent weeks, Mallee Track Health and Community Service (MTHCS) Chief Executive Officer Lois O’Callaghan said it was vitally important people did not become complacent about the risk of COVID-19 infection.
“We all know about the importance of good hand hygiene, social distancing and staying home, but the important thing is we can’t stop doing these things yet,” she said.
“Following the rules and staying safe can be frustrating at times, but if we don’t actively continue to do these things, we will be putting our communities at risk.”
With Victoria’s State of Emergency in place until 22 June, Ms O’Callaghan said it was not yet time to forget how effective the safety measures had been in slowing the spread of COVID-19.
“Remember to stay home whenever possible - if you don’t need to do it, don’t do it – and wash your hands often with soap and running water, for at least 20 seconds,” she said.
“Physical distancing will save lives. Everyone needs to comply with restrictions to keep themselves, their loved ones and the whole community safe.”
Ms O’Callaghan said there was some pressure on the health service to return to pre-COVID-19 arrangements, especially with many community members keen to return to their social support groups and volunteer roles.
“We understand how incredibly important these groups and activities are to our local community members, but we just cannot put people’s health at risk, especially while the State of Emergency is still in effect,” she said.
“In planning the return of these groups, we have to carefully and safely manage the risk of COVID-19 infection for staff and community members. That is a big job and we must do it properly.
“We are taking the time to plan this safely, so we ask people to be patient with us and know we are doing everything we can to ensure our staff and our community can remain safe from COVID-19.”

Ms O’Callaghan said MTHCS staff would work in partnership with the neighbourhood houses and interest groups such as the Sea Lake Men’s Shed and Sea Lake Op Shop to ensure activities could be safely resumed, when appropriate.
“We can’t forget COVID-19 is highly contagious, so the arrangements we put in place to reinstate social support groups and other activities will be in line with the Chief Health Officer’s directions,” she said.
“The local community has done a wonderful job of staying safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, but we all need to continue to actively look after our own health and stay safe.”

Pictured (left to right): [Pic1] MTHCS resident Len Hannig, staff member Rebecca Richardson, and resident Joe Lester urging everyone to “Do The Three”.
Pictured (left to right): [Pic2]  MTCHS resident Alison Straub, staff member Theresa Hansford, and resident Glenda McKechnie urging everyone to “Do The Three”.