Mildura meets the challenge of COVID-19 outbreak

Since early Sunday morning, when we all learned of a positive Delta case in Mildura, our days have been filled with concern, frustration, confusion and uncertainty. This is nothing like Mildura’s seen before.

Our health services were quickly pushed to their limits. Streets were gridlocked as hundreds of cars were queued for hours at drive-through testing sites; many were turned away to ease the overwhelming pressure. Exposure sites were added, some were removed, others were adjusted to better reflect accurate data.

“Surge capacity” sounds like a buzzword, but it is an incredibly dynamic and delicate issue. It’s something I don’t believe our community ever expected we’d have to consider, particularly after a 17-month gap in coronavirus cases.

And, while it hasn’t been seamless, Mildura’s response has adapted to the challenge at hand.

What I am so impressed with is the level of unity shown in Sunraysia during this crisis. Despite all the frustrations spawned by this outbreak, and how strained our services have been, our community has risen to the occasion and gotten on with the job.

I would like to publicly acknowledge all Sunraysia Community Health, Mildura Base Public Hospital, Barratt & Smith and Australian Clinical Labs testing staff in Mildura. My thanks also goes to the Mallee Track Health & Community Service testing staff in Ouyen and Sea Lake, and the Robinvale District Health Services testing crew.

Their professionalism and dedication in this highly stressful situation is beyond commendable. The value of the support they’ve received from reinforcements from Melbourne, Swan Hill, Bendigo and the Goulburn Valley also can’t be understated.

Every health care worker has gone above and beyond to respond to this outbreak, to support their colleagues, and to keep services operating.

I can’t think of a better example of Mallee Tough than pulling together like we have this week to deal with this crisis.

I know our efforts will continue, and we all can’t wait to see the back of this ordeal.