LOCAL COVID CASES GROW
Six new infections at the weekend, multiple exposure sites
GEELONG recorded six new coronavirus cases over the weekend, but the state government says there are “no plans” to plunge the region back into lockdown.
A number of exposure sites were published across the region, including stores in Waurn Ponds, Drysdale and North Geelong, and Tier 1 sites at medical imaging services in Curlewis and Drysdale and a local concrete business at Moolap and Grovedale.
GEELONG recorded six new coronavirus cases over the weekend, but the state government says there are “no plans” to plunge the region back into lockdown.
A number of exposure sites were published across the region, including stores in Waurn Ponds, Drysdale and North Geelong, and Tier 1 sites at medical imaging services in Curlewis and Drysdale and a local concrete business at Moolap and Grovedale.
Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley said on Saturday five people had tested positive in the region, and another new infection was confirmed in Greater Geelong on Sunday.
Two cases were reported in Hamlyn Heights, and one each in Mount Duneed, Clifton Springs and Herne Hill on Saturday.
Mr Foley said three local cases – believed to be in Herne Hill and Hamlyn Heights – had been linked back to Melbourne building sites.
Barwon South West public health unit director Eugene Athan said the sources of the Mount Duneed and Clifton Springs cases remained under investigation.
The case reported on Sunday was located in Grovedale and linked to the Mount Duneed case.
“The Herne Hill case is linked to a known positive case,” Professor Athan said.
“The Hamlyn Heights cases are household members of existing cases and have been isolating throughout their infectious period.
“We are pleased with the response from the Geelong community; testing at all sites across the region increased significantly.”
Prof Athan said more than 1100 people were tested at Barwon Health locations at the weekend.
“At this stage, there has been no evidence of community transmission beyond household and primary close contacts,” he said on Sunday afternoon.
Prof Athan said there were two patients with Covid-19 in Geelong hospital as part of the streaming system to support metropolitan health services.
Both patients were in a stable condition.
Staff at St John of God Geelong Hospital are isolating after a nurse tested positive to coronavirus last week.
The staff member, who does not reside in the Greater Geelong region, was asymptomatic during the shifts she worked.
Hospital chief executive Stephen Roberts said the case had not been linked back to the hospital.
“The nurse’s last shift at the hospital was on Saturday night, September 4, at which time she was asymptomatic,” Mr Roberts said.
“She developed symptoms on Tuesday and was tested the following day and self-isolated while waiting for results.”
It is understood nine staff have been furloughed and are undergoing a two-week quarantine.