No new COVID-19 cases in Sunraysia

NO new cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in Mildura as of Tuesday, according to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). 

There is still one coronavirus case in the region, with Mildura Base Hospital’s director of intensive care confirming the patient was self-isolating “in line with best practice guidelines”. 

Regional Victoria has recorded 41 cases out of the state’s total of 411, including in Geelong, Ballarat, Baw Baw, Shepparton, Surf Coast, Warrnambool, Macedon Ranges, Mitchell and Mount Alexander. 

Victoria’s chief health officer professor Brett Sutton said the threat of coronavirus to public health was real and everyone needed to take social distancing seriously.

“Everyone who’s unwell must isolate themselves and everyone who’s been told they’re in quarantine either as a returned traveller or close contact must do so,” Professor Sutton said.

“Social distancing will save lives.

“Everyone needs to comply with restrictions in place to keep yourself, your loved ones and the whole community safe.”

In a media conference on Tuesday Health Minister Jenny Mikakos cited the Mildura case as an example of how the virus was spreading across the state. 

“People in regional communities should not think this is just a problem that is exclusive to Melbourne,” Ms Mikakos said. 

“In Mildura for example, there has been one person that’s tested positive and that person will need to adhere to all the quarantine arrangements. Everyone needs to understand the police are now enforcing this.

“We don’t have a reason to be locking down particular suburbs or towns at this time … but we will not hesitate to do what’s necessary to save lives.”

It comes after a dedicated coronavirus assessment and advice clinic in Mildura was opened earlier on Tuesday at Sunraysia Community Health Services on Thirteenth Street. 

The clinic will operate Monday to Friday from 1-4pm.

SCHS chief executive officer Simone Heald said the clinic would take pressure off the region’s hospital emergency department and general practice clinics.

“It is really important the community telephone SCHS first before presenting to the hospital, or calling their local GP,” she said.

“The clinic is a co-ordinated response with all the health services and GPs, and the health services want this to be the first port of call. 

“If you require an appointment with us, a GP is available here.”

There are currently 1,823 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Australia, 818 of which are in NSW. 

In addition to Mildura’s new pop-up clinic for assessment and advice, Victorian’s can contact the coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.