ROBINVALE District Health Service's COVID-19 lead Anita Erlandsen says she is expecting more positive cases in the region over the Christmas break.
There are currently 40 COVID-19 positive individuals in Robinvale and 10 more in Euston she told The Guardian, with six more in the remainder of the Swan Hill local government area.
There are four Robinvale residents in various ICU departments in Melbourne and Bendigo, but none currently in the Robinvale Hospital.
Ms Erlandsen said she believes there was a spike in testing for those traveling over the holidays and some remaining positive cases may still be waiting to be processed.
As a result she expected the number of positive results to grow, if not fluctuate as some patients recovered and others were diagnosed.
Ms Erlandsen said one of the suspected events behind the recent spike was a family function but that there were now cases beyond that community.
There is no suggestion anyone has done anything illegal or broken any restrictions.
"The Health Department do not believe there is any of the Omricon variety in the region at present," Ms Erlandsen said.
"They are conducting random genomic testing and if that evolves we will update the community via social media.
"The aged care facilities in town have not been locked down, although entry remains restricted and rapid testing has been conducted on visitors.
"In the last week, the (health) department have also administered COVID-19 boosters to residents."
Ms Erlandsen said the hospital was particularly grateful for assistance from Mildura Base Public Hospital, as its staff monitored more stable patients with phone calls and medication as needed, especially while Robinvale Hospital was partially shut down over Christmas. Anyone who has symptoms is urged to get tested and to avoid socialisation.
COVID-19 testing will be available from 9am -12pm sharp everyday except Christmas Day at Robinvale District Health Services Car Park.
Testing is for those with symptoms or if you have been notified by DHHS. Please complete registration beforehand through the QR code.
