Barwon Health on ‘high alert’, ups testing capacity amid Sydney outbreak
Barwon Health has extended coronavirus testing hours and bolstered staffing while on “high alert” amid the growing Sydney cluster.
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Barwon Health has extended coronavirus testing hours and bolstered staffing while on “high alert” amid the growing Sydney cluster.
New South Wales reported 15 new locally acquired cases on Monday, all linked to the Northern Beaches outbreak.
COVID-19 testing in the Geelong region has increased, with 347 tests at Barwon Health North and Torquay Community Health Centre on Sunday.
It marked a surge from the recent average of about 140 daily tests across Barwon Health sites.
Barwon Health on Sunday revealed they were monitoring Geelong-based close contacts of those in the Sydney cluster, who were now self-isolating with the support of the health authority.
The health service’s public health unit director, Eugene Athan, said hours at Barwon Health North’s drive-through testing clinic have been extended to 10am to 4pm from Monday to Thursday this week, while staffing has also increased.
“Our service has ample capacity to meet demands for testing and the rapid response team at Avalon Airport will continue operating as long as flights are returning,” he said.
Barwon Health established a pop-up testing site at the airport on Friday.
“While we are on high alert, there are yet to be any confirmed cases in the region,” Prof Athan said.
The health service at the weekend confirmed a number of close and casual contacts to the Sydney outbreak had been identified in the community, and were self-isolating and being supported by Barwon Health.
“Our public health unit is acting on advice and guidance from the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, which is liaising directly with NSW Health at the state level,” Prof Athan said.
It comes as people travelling from Sydney to Avalon Airport face mandatory hotel quarantine in Melbourne.
Victoria has designated the Greater Sydney area and the NSW Central Coast a ‘red zone’.
People who live in these communities, or have visited these communities since December 11, cannot enter Victoria.
Anyone from this zone found trying to enter Victoria in breach of this order will be subject to 14-day mandatory hotel quarantine.
Victorians who had been in the red zone were given until 11.59pm on Monday to return and be allowed to quarantine at home, but from Tuesday would be placed in hotel quarantine.
If a person arrives at Avalon Airport from the red zone or a hot zone in New South Wales, DHHS authorised officers will detain them and contact COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria, who will come and collect the passenger and take them to mandatory quarantine in Melbourne.
Jetstar flights between Avalon and Sydney have continued to operate so far this week.
Avalon Airport chief executive Justin Giddings said he expects services on the route may be reduced amid the outbreak.
Mr Giddings said DHHS staff were on site at the airport to co-ordinate the response.
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