COVID caution for community safety

AS a precaution, the Victorian Department of Health has instructed Health Services and Aged Care providers to move to Stage 2 of the Health System Response.

Victoria is currently experiencing increased COVID-19 activity in the community and a representative from Heathcote Health asked that the community support the measures to help keep the area’s most vulnerable residents, patients, staff, volunteers and students healthy.

“All persons attending Heathcote Health are asked to wear a mask upon entry and whilst in our facility,” said the spokesperson.

“We thank everyone for their understanding.”

The Health System Response has four stages reflecting the level of demand on the health system.

Health services set their own policies on how to best manage these risks and additional pressures, based on clinical expertise and their individual circumstances.

“Following the recent increase in COVID cases across Victoria, public hospitals moved to Stage 2 on 27 May under the Health System Response,” said a Department of Health spokesperson.

“The move to Stage Two reflects the higher numbers of people with COVID-19 in hospital and is not expected to interrupt clinical care, including planned surgeries.

“We want to assure Victorians that this increase in cases is not unexpected, health services are well prepared and well equipped, and we will continue to monitor the situation as it progresses.”

For latest COVID-19 data see bit.ly/3yOMoBR.