Regional Victorians now expected to wear face masks, coronavirus testing stepped up
Heading to the supermarket in regional Victoria? You’re now expected to wear a face mask. Coronavirus testing will also be stepped up in the regions. Here’s what you need to know.
REGIONAL Victorians have been told to wear face masks in situations where they can’t social distance, as coronavirus testing is ramped up in the regions.
Over the past two weeks, there have been about 40 cases of coronavirus outside Victoria’s locked-down areas of Melbourne and Mitchell Shire.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced today regional Victorians over the age of 18 were now expected to wear face masks at times where they couldn’t maintain a 1.5m social distance between them and others.
This included on public transport, in an Uber or taxi and while shopping.
“(It’s) a small thing but it can make a really big difference in stopping the spread of this virus and keeping those low numbers in regional victoria very low so we don’t have to be changing the settings and rules for regional areas of our state.”
Mr Andrews said the mask can be homemade, one you’ve bought or even a scarf.
Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said regional Victorians should “stay home as much as possible”, despite not having as tough restrictions as areas of the state in lockdown.
“We are keeping a very close eye and monitoring the data on a daily basis and it is important regional Victorians do not become complacent,” she said.
“We have had some cases of people that might be commuting to Melbourne and back to regional communities and therefore are infecting their family members.
“It’s important people are aware there are risks at the moment in regional communities and they need to take every step possible to keep their families and their loved ones and their entire community safe.”
It comes after Geelong Grammar took it upon itself to make face masks compulsory at its Corio campus, despite Victorian Chief Health Officer professor Brett Sutton saying masks were not feasible for teachers in class – even in lockdown areas.
Testing will also be stepped up in the following regions:
CAMPASPE: Echuca Regional Health increases testing staff.
BASS COAST HEALTH: Wonthaggi Hospital opens a drive-through site, open 9am-5pm seven days a week.
GREATER BENDIGO: La Trobe University Rural Health School opens a drive-through site, open 10am-5pm seven days a week.
GREATER SHEPPARTON: Goulburn Valley Health extends opening hours. Now 8am-6pm.
KOO WEE RUP: A new testing site at Koo Wee Rup Community Centre from Monday, 20 July, operating Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12.30pm-2pm.
MILDURA: The Mildura drive-through site to stay open.
There are more than 60 testing clinics across regional Victoria. The full list is available on the Department of Health and Human Services website.
A new Geelong-based public health team has also been established.
The team at Barwon Health, starting with 10 clinicians, will provide case management and contact tracing for regional cases and assist Melbourne teams.
It is expected teams will also be set up at Ballarat, Bendigo and Latrobe health services, and Goulburn Valley Health.
Victoria recorded 428 new cases of coronavirus statewide overnight.
The Weekly Times will update its regional cases breakdown when it is released.
Meanwhile, almost 30 police members - including 16 in Shepparton - have been told to isolate after a member based at crime command in Spencer St received a positive coronavirus test result on Thursday.
As the member had been in Shepparton last week, 16 police from Shepparton as well as 12 members from the Melbourne CBD office have been directed to self-isolate immediately and all will be tested.
Areas of both stations have been deep cleaned.
“Victoria Police’s priority first and foremost is to ensure the safety of its people and the community,” said Victoria Police in a statement.
“A thorough assessment of the impact on other police personnel and the community is being undertaken to identify any further close contacts
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