News

Mallee Track leading COVID-19 community effort

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 03:28:00

Mallee Track Health and Community Service is urging residents to play their part in community efforts to contain and manage the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

As yet, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Mallee Track communities, although a single case has been confirmed in Mildura and in each of the Gannawarra and Yarriambiack Shires.
MTHCS Chief Executive Officer Lois O’Callaghan said health planning for COVID-19 was progressing well in Mallee communities, but the effectiveness of the measures depends heavily on the community’s support.
“We tend to think a lot of issues are big-city or big-town problems and they don’t apply to us in our little Mallee communities,” Ms O’Callaghan said.
“But this time, it does apply to us.  The likelihood is that coronavirus will reach our communities and our readiness and willingness to all do our bit will determine how big the impact is,” she said.
“So we shouldn’t feel silly or that we’re overreacting by implementing common-sense advice about hygiene, social isolation and deferring non-essential travel and activities – it’s just what we need to do for the time being to help protect our own people and communities.”
Ms O’Callaghan said MTHCS had already implemented significant changes to its activities and services aimed at halting or slowing the spread of coronavirus.
“These include closing non-essential programs, limiting visitor numbers to our aged care facilities and changing our access arrangements to all of our urgent care centres, GP clinics and sites,” Ms O’Callaghan said.
“So please don’t be surprised if you can’t get in your usual door, or we need to ‘buzz’ you in,” she said.
“At this stage we are not yet doing fever screening locally, but we have set up small tents outside our medical clinics at Sea Lake and Ouyen so that people who have symptoms can wait comfortably and discreetly.”
Ms O’Callaghan said it was critical for anyone with COVID-19 symptoms to phone ahead before attending any health facility or medical clinic.
“That’s across the board, whether you come to us, or you attend medical clinics or doctors in Mildura or Swan Hill.  Don’t just attend.  Phone ahead so we can be prepared, or phone the 1800 675 398 Coronavirus hotline for advice. Please save triple 0 for emergencies.”
Ms O’Callaghan said it was important for people to source reliable, fact-based information.
“The best place for current information is the DHHS coronavirus website at www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus because it has all of the advice, information and guidelines in one place, it’s very clear and it’s updated every day,” she said.
“There’s so much social media and media chatter about coronavirus that it can be overwhelming. So also make a point of turning off your devices and TV for a time each day for a break.
“And please remember there are so many people working harder than ever at the moment, because of this challenge.  It’s normal for people to feel anxious and a bit stressed, but it’s never OK to be harsh on social media, the phone or in person, and it’s never OK to ask our staff for information which is confidential.
“It is a challenging time, but I would ask people to take personal responsibility for their own decisions and actions, to do their little bit, and to look out for those around them, particularly the elderly and vulnerable.”