No new coronavirus cases across G21 region

Greater Geelong and other municipalities in the G21 region have taken a giant step towards helping get restrictions eased in regional Victoria with Tuesday’s coronavirus figures.

NO new coronavirus cases have been recorded across the G21 region, as the Australian Defence Force assists with prevention in local aged care.

Greater Geelong remained at 16 active cases on Tuesday, while the Surf Coast was also steady with one.

Colac Otway had the region’s highest number of active cases, with 25, following a second outbreak in Colac.

The Department of Health and Human Services had 15 active cases linked to Bulla Dairy Foods in Colac, where six staff members have tested positive.

All confirmed cases are employees at Bulla’s Connor St site.

All remaining Connor St team test results have been returned and are confirmed to be

negative.

The Connor St site will undergo a deep clean of the entire facility on Wednesday, prior to

its planned reopening on Saturday.

Australian Defence Force personnel are visiting Colac’s three aged care facilities throughout this week in a bid to bolster coronavirus prevention measures and help keep them free of COVID-19.

There were no new cases of coronavirus in Geelong on Tuesday. Picture: Alan Barber

“Obviously Colac has been a bit of a focal point with the community outbreaks,” Victorian Aged Care Response Centre executive officer Joe Buffone said.

“We prioritised our ADF teams to go into the Colac facilities.”

Mr Buffone said specially trained ADF personnel were visiting the facilities to liaise with staff and discuss measures including outbreak plans, personal protective equipment and infection control.

“They make sure they’re in good shape and get the support they need,” Mr Buffone said.

Meanwhile, the Borough of Queenscliffe and Golden Plains remained free of active cases on Tuesday.

There were four inpatients at University Hospital Geelong with COVID-19, including two in the intensive care unit.

Fifty-five new coronavirus cases were reported for Victoria.

Eight further deaths from COVID-19 were reported, with five of those occurring prior to Monday.

Six of the eight deaths were linked to known outbreaks in aged care facilities.

Victoria’s coronavirus death toll stood at 683 people.

Originally published as No new coronavirus cases across G21 region