COVID test setback for Mildura childcare centre

A CHILD who attended a Mildura childcare centre last week has tested positive to COVID-19.

In an email to parents and staff who attended the Mildura Central Early Learning Centre last Monday and Friday, director Ainslee Sullivan said the centre was likely to be closed on Monday to allow the centre and Health Department to make a full risk assessment.

Ms Sullivan said in the email, sent on Saturday afternoon, the centre was yet to receive advice from the Health Department and the centre would need to be closed to all children, parents and staff for deep cleaning.

“For children, parents and staff who attended the service during any of these dates when the case was present, we advise that you must get tested, stay home and limit movements until advised otherwise, while contact tracing is under way,” Ms Sullivan said.

“If you or your child are a Tier 1 contact (close contact) we expect DH (Department of Health) will contact you,” she said.

“If you are a close contact … this is because you have been at a confirmed COVID-19 exposure site/s.

“People who have attend this site/s are at greatest risk of catching COVID-19 and passing it to others.

“You must immediately get tested and isolate for 14 days – regardless of your test result.”

Ms Sullivan said the centre had been advised that DH would work with it to identify and notify any children and staff, contractors and visitors who had been in close contact with the confirmed case, providing further public health advice as required.

She said that for children or parents who did not attend while the case was present, it was not expected there would be any further necessary action, however she would provide any relevant advice if the DH had any information to the contrary.

“We wish the affected family a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming them back to the service once they are notified by DH that they can return,” she said.

“I am very aware that this is a time of stress and may cause inconvenience to you all.

“Please know that we are here for any required support or to answer any questions you may have.

“Thank you for your support, and I will provide any further information as soon as I receive any updates from DH.”

DH had not listed the centre as a tier 1 site on Sunday afternoon.

Mildura reported nine new COVID-19 cases on Sunday and had a total of 214 active cases.