Covid case confirmed on island

While there are conflicting reports on the total number of active local cases, one thing is for sure, there are cases of COVID-19 in the area.

As of Monday, according to Gippsland Region Public Health Unit (GRPHU), Bass Coast had four cases of Covid, although there are no exposure sites linked to them and four of the original cases reported in September had been cleared.

However according to the state government coronavirus website on October 4, there were five active cases in the Bass Coast region, including one on Phillip Island, while viral fragments were detected in Cowes wastewater for eight consecutive days.
 

Hospital tested

Last week, Wonthaggi Hospital was again the location for a Covid case, after a patient who attended the emergency department tested positive.

The patient was at the hospital between 7.30am and 10am on Thursday, September 30 and is now isolating at home. Bass Coast Health said the emergency department was cleaned and reopened and there was no risk to the public.

However CEO Jan Child said the incident put the hospital's Covid-safe plan to the test.

"Huge praise to the ED team who quickly triaged the symptomatic patient, isolated them in our low-pressure room, organised treatment, and then organised a terminal clean of the area as soon as the patient left," she said.

Ms Child said out of "an abundance of caution" some staff had been furloughed, in line with the Department of Health guidelines and encouraged anyone who was in the front reception or ED at Wonthaggi Hospital between 7.30am and 10am last Thursday to be vigilant and look out for any symptoms and get tested and isolate as required.

"It’s a great time to remember the importance of the directives of the Chief Health Officer," she said.

"Please also adhere to physical distancing, in this time of increasing community transmission. Avoid crowds, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and sanitise regularly, and get tested if you have even the mildest of symptoms. Most importantly, be smart and get vaccinated."

Essential

Bass Coast Shire Council continues to support the call for vaccinations, and this week announced it has classified its entire workforce as “essential” and will mandate vaccinations for every employee, regardless of their role.

CEO Ali Wastie said most staff had already chosen to be vaccinated and anyone still to get their vaccine could take time out from work to do so.

Council announced 400 staff will receive their first dose by October 14, and all will need to be fully vaccinated by November 26.

Ms Wastie said any staff member who doesn’t get vaccinated without a valid reason by the deadline will be asked to take annual leave, then leave without pay. They will not be permitted to return to work until they are vaccinated.

“We are looking towards summer, the tourist market and seeing our region full of concerts, food and events,” said Ms Wastie.

“Getting the jab is the one thing we can do to get our local economy back on track.”

It’s believed Bass Coast is the first local council in Victoria to mandate Covid vaccinations for every employee.