No new COVID cases for Ballarat

NO new COVID-19 cases have been recorded in Ballarat in the last twenty-four hours.

Ballarat Health Services acting CEO Melanie Robertson said there are still 20 positive cases within the Grampians Region.

“There are no more cases to announce today, but we continue to have 18 active cases in Ballarat…and one in Daylesford,” she said.

Yesterday, Tuesday, 21 September, 1100 people were tested across the city, and 1900 the day before, contributing to a total of 11,000 tests since last Thursday, 16 September.

Medical director of the Grampians Public Health Unit Associate Professor Rosemary Aldrich said “what could have been widespread dissemination” of the virus has been contained, however the community needs to be aware of GovHub as an exposure site.

Three hundred and sixty primary close contacts have already been linked to this location.

“We know that two positive cases are involved there; one, a worker from Melbourne,” she said.

“Accordingly, in order to assess the risk there, we’ve tracked their movements. Both have kept close…evidence of their movements…so we’re very aware now of where those people have moved in the building.”

Associate Professor Aldrich said the staff side of GovHub is a tier one exposure site.

“Anybody who has been there as a staff member, staff visitor, or contractor between 7am and 5.10pm between last Monday the 13th and Friday the 17th of September is considered a tier one primary close contact.

“For customers that have come into the public-facing side of the centre, particularly VicRoads, they are considered tier two contacts now,” she said.

“We need them to stay home, get a test, and isolate until they get a negative result, after which they’re free to go about their daily lives in accordance with the rules that prevail at the time.”

Ms Robertson emphasised a need for the city to remain “vigilant and aware,” although lockdown ends tonight.

“COVID still remains in our community and can pop up at any time. The moment our awareness drops off, there’s potential for us to have more cases in our community,” she said.

“Even at the slightest of symptoms, come forward and get testing, available at Victoria Park, Marty Busch Reserve, The Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre, 4Cyte Pathology Ballarat, and UFS Respiratory Clinic.”

Testing sites at Wendouree’s Ballarat Sports and Events Centre and FedUni Mount Helen are currently closed.

One of the 20 positive Grampians cases is in The Wimmera. The Grampians Public Health Unit will continue to monitor wastewater detection and vaccination rates across the region.