Deakin confirms COVID case

Deakin University has confirmed a staff member who has tested positive to COVID19 was present at the Waurn Ponds campus on Wednesday July 14, between 9am and 3pm.

The positive case, which Deakin confirmed via social media, was not involved in any teaching activity while on campus however Deakin has temporarily closed buildings IC, IB and JB for deep cleaning as a precaution.

Everyone in the Deakin community is urged to get tested immediately if they develop any symptoms and follow Department of Health direction.

Meanwhile, there were almost 4000 COVID-19 tests across the Barwon South West Region on Thursday, and high demand today.

Barwon South West Public Health Unit director Professor Eugene Athan said the numbers were “a great response from our community and a fantastic effort from the staff at these sites”.

“Barwon Health tested about 2000 people on Thursday, which is an increase from last week’s average of about 400 per day,” Mr Athan said.

“We have results from more than 30 per cent of Thursday’s tests, with only one new case, which was expected.

“This positive case is a household member of the same family that has tested positive in Barwon Heads.

“Testing sites have increased operating hours over the weekend, with 4Cyte Pathology, ACL and Epworth operating pop-up sites in Belmont and Waurn Ponds while demand remains high.

“Barwon Health is operating a pop-up site in Barwon Heads, with full details including addresses and operating hours on the Barwon Health website,” he said.

“It is vital for people to get a test if they have either COVID-19 symptoms, have been to an exposure site during the times listed on the Department of Health website, have been contacted by the Department of Health or contact tracers, or if they are students, parents and staff at the Barwon Heads Primary School.”