News

One source of truth in COVID-19

Sat, 25 Jul 2020 07:29:00

MALLEE residents are being reminded to deal with the facts about the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Following a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Swan Hill, there has been widespread speculation about the spread of the virus across the region, but the local health service said this won’t help.
“The Department of Health and Human Services website is the single point of truth when it comes to confirmed COVID-19 cases,” Mallee Track Health and Community Service Chief Executive Officer Lois O’Callaghan said.

“They update the confirmed cases in each local government area on a daily basis.
“Naturally there’s concern in our communities that the confirmed case in Swan Hill is not far from where we live but sticking with the facts will help keep our communities safe.”
Ms O’Callaghan said the best defences against COVID-19 remained unchanged.
“It’s straight forward and it’s everything we have been doing --- practice good hand hygiene; stay at least 1.5 metres away from others; understand the risks and symptoms; and get tested, even if your symptoms are mild,” she said.
“Getting tested when you are unwell is vitally important. Get tested and go straight home, don’t stop or detour anywhere on the way. When you get home, stay at home until you have your results.”
And while social distancing is easier in the Mallee catchment than in Melbourne, Ms O’Callaghan has encouraged local residents to consider the advice of the Chief Health Officer when it comes to wearing face masks.
“People in regional areas have been asked to wear face masks when it is difficult to stay 1.5 metres away from others as face masks can be helpful in reducing the spread of COVID-19,” Ms O’Callaghan explained.
Face masks help to contain droplets when people cough, reducing the likelihood of spreading the virus. For the community, both cloth masks and surgical masks are effective in reducing the transmission of COVID-19. Children and people aged under 18 years are not recommended to wear a face mask, but individual families can make their own decisions regarding their children.
Ms O’Callaghan has reassured locals that MTHCS is prepared for the second wave of COVID-19.
“We started our COVID-19 response in March when the first outbreaks began, and since then we have continually strengthened and refined the way we work,” she said.
“From a positive point of view, it does mean that as we now face the second wave, we are better prepared, we have better supply line for personal protective equipment, we have reviewed our outbreak management plans , staff and community understand the risks and are generally much more careful. We have done much of the heavy lifting, now we must remain vigilant.”
Ms O’Callaghan encouraged everyone to continue to play their part in slowing the spread of COVID-19.
“Keep your distance, wash your hands, wear a face mask if you choose to – and if you’ve got symptoms, get tested,” Ms O’Callaghan 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.
If you have flu-like symptoms, call ahead before arriving at a MTHCS medical clinic to be tested.
MTHCS can be contacted on 5092 1111 for further information.

Pictured: MTHCS medical practice manager Shirley Vallance (far right) wearing a mask, while chatting to Kim and Alex.