News

Together we can stay COVID-19 free

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 20:24:00

A STRONG community response to the COVID-19 pandemic will help minimise chances of an outbreak in the Mallee, according to the Mallee Track Health and Community Service.

Community members and traders across the catchment have been congratulated for embracing COVID-19 safety measures, but MTHCS CEO Lois has urged locals to remain vigilant as infection numbers across Victoria continue to stay at a stubborn level of around 400-500 infections per day.
“If we all follow the rules, we’ll get through this, but we have to remember this is a long game and it’s not time to give up yet,” Ms O’Callaghan said.
“We all have to take personal responsibility for our actions and, as a community, we have to take responsibility for keeping ourselves safe and free from COVID-19. 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.”
Ms O’Callaghan said although communities in the Mallee are small, they have rallied to keep their residents safe.
“Mallee communities are tough and COVID-19 isn’t going to change that,” she said.
“We are working together, looking out for each other, and doing what we can to stay safe.”
Ms O’Callaghan said businesses in Mallee communities were also proactively putting safety measures in place.
“We have been working with local traders to ensure they understand the risks and know what they can do to keep themselves and their customers safe,” Ms O’Callaghan said.
“One way we’ve been working together is to purchase hand sanitiser stations at cost price for local businesses so sanitiser is immediately available to their clients – to date, 19 businesses have ordered these sanitiser stations through us, so it’s been great to see such a positive response.  We have also offered and provided printed posters promoting the key messages of the COVID-19 campaign.”
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 can’t keep your distance of 1.5m – and if you’ve got symptoms, get tested,” Ms O’Callaghan said.
“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.”
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.