General News
30 September, 2021
Thousands tested after COVID-19 exposure sites named
THE Terang and Camperdown areas were thrust in to uncertainty over the weekend after Corangamite Shire recorded a new case of COVID-19 and dozens of exposure sites were identified.
THE Terang and Camperdown areas were thrust in to uncertainty over the weekend after Corangamite Shire recorded a new case of COVID-19 and dozens of exposure sites were identified.
Minister for Health Martin Foley said an individual in the Corangamite Shire was confirmed to have tested positive for COVID-19 and 33 businesses in the south west were named as Tier 1 and 2 exposure sites.
“I would encourage anyone who has been to those sites to get tested and follow the appropriate instructions,” he said.
On Monday morning South West Healthcare issued a statement on social media confirming an additional case in Corangamite after a family member from the same household as the first case had also tested positive for COVID-19.
“We can confirm a family member of the Corangamite Shire person who tested COVID-positive last week, has tested COVID-positive at the weekend,” the statement read.
“This person has been isolating and is regarded as low risk. Both are from the same household.”
On Tuesday morning an additional Corangamite Shire case was announced, with the case being a close contact of the initial case, and has been isolating.
A total of 33 exposure sites were identified in the south west, including 12 in Camperdown and one in Terang:
Terang IGA – Friday, September 17, 6.30pm - 7.15pm;
Camperdown Wellnest – Tuesday, September 21, 4.30pm – 5pm;
The Loaf & Lounge – Tuesday, September 21, 4pm – 4.40pm;
Excuse Me Homewares – Monday, September 20, 12.40pm – 1.20pm;
The Courthouse Camperdown – Monday, September 20, 1.30pm – 2.05pm;
Ritchie’s IGA Camperdown – Monday, September 20, 1.20pm – 2.05pm;
Camperdown Country Roasts and Salads, Monday, September 20, 1pm – 2.55pm;
Camperdown Newsagency, Monday, September 20, 12.45pm – 1.20pm;
Snout In The Trough Food Co – Monday, September 20, 12:20pm – 1.10pm;
V/Line Bus (Endeavour Coach Company) Warrnambool to Camperdown – Saturday, September 18 – 5.30pm – 7pm;
Lifeline Op Shop – Monday, September 20 – 12pm – 12.35pm;
Sunnyside Shop – Monday, September 20 – 12pm – 12.35pm;
Camperdown Bakery – Tuesday, September 21 – 3.30pm-4.15pm; and
Vinnies Camperdown – Tuesday, September 21 – 3.30pm – 4.15pm.
One site in Camperdown was listed as a Tier 1 exposure site:
Kelly Reynolds Hair – Tuesday, September 21 – 2pm – 5.30pm.
Terang Co-op chief executive officer Kevin Ford said staff members working at the time of exposure all returned negative tests over the weekend.
“From our perspective, it’s business as usual and it’s perfectly safe to shop in our supermarket,” he said.
“All that was required was that the staff working at the time needed to isolate and be tested.
“We found out late Sunday afternoon that all 12 staff returned negative tests so they have the all-clear to return to work.”
Mr Ford said the Co-op had no further information about the shopper and staff have proactively followed all COVID protocols, including the use of QR codes, hand sanitation, COVID-safe handles on trolleys and doors, and continual cleaning of all public areas.
A high proportion of the Co-op’s permanent workforce has already received two vaccine doses, and a number of casual staff have received their first dose now as the vaccine becomes available to younger people.
“Staff have been very proactive and socially responsible,” Mr Ford said.
Mr Ford said the scare was a reminder for people to follow COVID protocols and to get vaccinated.
The cluster of exposure sites led to a widespread pop-up testing with more than 2000 people tested throughout Terang, Camperdown and Warrnambool over the weekend, with 170 tests administered at Terang and Mortlake Health Service’s testing site at Terang hospital.
Camperdown and Warrnambool continue to offer testing.
South West Healthcare chief executive officer Craig Fraser said he was pleased with the community response.
“I want to thank everyone who has so far come forward to be tested, and thank those still isolating as they await their results. Everyone has rallied and we’re so grateful,” he said.
“There is little doubt the fact our local communities are amongst the highest-vaccinated in the state has put us in such a strong position for fighting any COVID outbreak and it’s a timely reminder to get vaccinated if you’re eligible.
“At the start of last week, 86 percent of our eligible community had been single-vaxed and 56 percent had been double-vaxed.”
