Echuca paramedics tests positive to Covid working while infectious

A paramedic has tested positive to Covid working while infectious in Echuca, the first to do so in 2021.

A paramedic working in regional Victoria has tested positive to Covid, Ambulance Victoria has confirmed.

The Goulburn Valley News understands the paramedic worked while infectious in Echuca having travelled from Melbourne’s western suburbs.

It is understood all paramedics in the Victorian-NSW border community have been told to isolate.

It comes after three paramedics tested positive to the virus over the weekend. Two of those cases were not in the workplace while infectious.

“This is just the first time in 2021 that a paramedic has returned a positive test (while working), which shows how our policies and procedures to protect paramedics and patients are working,” an Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said.

“The paramedics are doing well and we are supporting them to isolate and recover safely. Contact tracing has been completed and the paramedics and their close contacts are isolating as required.”

The paramedic who has since tested positive was not symptomatic and followed all of the correct procedures including the wearing of PPE.

Their close contacts have been told to get tested and isolated.

Services in the Echuca region are being supported by paramedics from neighbouring towns either by filling in shifts or returning from annual leave.

St John’s Ambulance also services the Echuca area with volunteers.

“During these difficult times Victoria is experiencing, we’re beyond proud of our volunteers for stepping up and assisting with Victoria’s Covid response,” a spokesperson said.

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