Cupper to raise coronavirus miscounts with Health Minister

THERE are concerns that having coronavirus cases incorrectly attributed to Mildura could lead to residents becoming disillusioned and complacent during the health crisis.

Member for Mildura Ali Cupper said a pattern of inaccuracy that has had three cases of COVID-19 incorrectly attributed to Mildura needed to be addressed to ensure people’s faith in the health system was not undermined.

Ms Cupper said she would raise the issue with Health Minister Jenny Mikakos to ensure the Victorian Government was aware of the angst having three cases wrongly attributed to Mildura was having on the community.

“During a global pandemic we need to ensure people have access to information as quickly and accurately as possible,” Ms Cupper said.

“To have three cases of the coronavirus incorrectly attributed to Mildura, only to be removed after a day or two, just adds to the anxiety people have – especially in a small community like ours,” she said.

“Having these cases wrongly attributed to Mildura could lead to people becoming disillusioned and complacent, which is something we just can’t afford.

“I will be taking this up with Minister Mikakos to try and ensure we can get reliable information.”

Mildura has had five people confirmed as cases of COVID-19, all of whom recovered.

The Department of Health and Human Services said coronavirus numbers could change for various reasons, including duplications and wrong postcodes being recorded.

A government spokesperson on Tuesday conceded the data could change as further information about positive cases was investigated.

“We do our best to get accurate information to Victorians as soon as cases are notified to us,” the spokesperson said.

“But further interviews of positive cases and cleaning up of data means the information can change from day to day.

“When our LGA (local government area) data reflects a new active case, the location recorded is the residential address provided when the case is notified.

“This is not necessarily where the person was infected and may not be where the individual currently resides.”

The spokesperson said that while case numbers were very low, 236 regional Victorians have had coronavirus and there were still active cases in regional areas.

“We must all stay vigilant, especially as restrictions continue to ease — because the virus could be in any community,” the spokesperson said.