News

Prepare for more testing blitzes

Tue, 19 May 2020 03:59:00

MALLEE residents are being encouraged to continue to support COVID-19 testing blitzes, with more likely in the future.

MTHCS Chief Executive Officer Lois O’Callaghan said widespread COVID-19 testing programs would continue to take place, with the Victorian Government aiming to carry out another 150,000 tests across the state by the end of the month.
“We can expect more testing blitzes and it’s really important that if you get asked to take a test, you do so,” Ms O’Callaghan said.
“Supporting testing programs helps us understand how COVID-19 is spreading and informs the government’s decisions about the restrictions needed to protect our health system, keep our community safe and save lives.”
Ms O’Callaghan said the testing blitz held a fortnight ago had focused on the aged care sector, and the focus had now shifted to schools.  It is anticipated that other sectors of the community will be targeted in the future as well such a retail, supermarket, construction and agriculture.
School employees including teachers, administration staff, maintenance workers and support staff will be asked to complete COVID-19 tests this week and next. If a school employee cannot make it to the time allotted for testing at their school, they are asked to contact their local medical clinic to make an appointment. 
“Our community responded really well to the recent testing blitz, with almost 200 people tested and, to date, not one positive result,” Ms O’Callaghan said.
“But we have to keep working together – that’s what we do well in Mallee and we have to keep doing it to keep ourselves safe.”
Ms O’Callaghan urged locals not to become complacent about the risk of COVID-19 infection.
“If you test negative for COVID-19, it just means you have not been exposed to COVID-19 at that point in time – you might walk out the door and be exposed to the virus, so it’s vitally important everyone keeps doing everything they have been doing to keep us all safe,” she said.
Ms O’Callaghan also urged community members to continue to strictly observe the COVID-19 restrictions that have been put in place by Victoria’s Chief Health Officer.
“The State of Emergency remains in place in Victoria and the advice of the Chief Health Officer is that there are still only five reasons to leave your home, and only to do so if it is essential,” she said.
“We have to take personal responsibility for looking after ourselves, and our communities, by observing the restrictions in place.”
Ms O’Callaghan said anyone with any of the symptoms, however mild, should seek advice and get tested. People with symptoms should call ahead or contact the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 before they arrive at a medical clinic.
MTHCS can be contacted on 5092 1111 for further information.

Pictured: Tyrell College Sea Lake staff: Rhiannon Mann, Mark Corrie (Principal) and Lana Durie.