This significant milestone is definitely worthy of celebration but it does not mean our region is COVID-free.
That’s the message SWH CEO Craig Fraser wants people to take home.
‘I don’t think any of us in the South West could have hoped to be in a better position than where we are right now. This is purely due to everyone doing the right thing and it’s fantastic to see our local businesses getting up and running again. We know we’re a popular destination for people to visit so I encourage everyone to keep doing the simple things; the hand hygiene and physical distancing that has got us here,’ he says.
‘Until there’s a vaccine and cure we’ll need to be vigilant, and with more movement of people across the country South West Healthcare will maintain visitor restrictions into the foreseeable future, however these will be eased over time. We will continue to place the safety of patients and staff as our highest priority and visitor screenings at all our facilities will continue.’
As of yesterday, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Victoria was 1,780 – 18 more than the day before. Four people were in hospital, including two patients in intensive care. 19 people have died. Of the total 1,780 cases, 240 have been in regional Victoria. Of the 18 new cases, one was linked to an outbreak, six were detected in hotel quarantine, eight were identified through routine testing, and three cases were under investigation.
More than 621,000 test results have been received by the Victorian Department of Health & Human Services since the start of January. Here’s the breakdown stats for the 3,941 people SWH has screened to the end of June 16:
1,873: Total number of SYMPTOMATIC patients screened at the Warrnambool Respiratory Assessment Clinic.
324: Total number of SYMPTOMATIC patients screened at the Warrnambool emergency department (since May 1).
9: Total number of SYMPTOMATIC patients screened at the Camperdown Hospital.
266: Total number of INPATIENTS screened in the Warrnambool Base Hospital and the Camperdown Hospital.
1,394: Total number of ASYMPTOMATIC patients screened at Warrnambool Respiratory Assessment Clinic community drive-thru clinics and Warrnambool Base Hospital staff clinics.
175: Total number of ASYMPTOMATIC patients screened onsite at the Camperdown Hospital during community and staff screening clinics.
This impressive screening initiative has, at this stage, spared our part of rural Victoria from additional government-requested screenings as it targets under-screened communities
In other COVID-related developments:
Warrnambool Base Hospital
Visiting hours: 11am-1pm and 3-6pm
Visiting restrictions: A patient can receive two visits per day, one visitor at a time, for up to 1 hour at a time, in any of the following formats:
Paediatrics Unit
One parent or primary care person can accompany their child for an outpatient consultation or presentation to an emergency department. Two adults (comprising parents/primary care people) can be with their child during an inpatient admission. Only one parent or primary care person can stay with their child overnight.
Midwifery Unit
Partner or primary care person/patient.
Warrnambool Mental Health Services Acute Inpatient Unit
Visiting hours: 11am-1pm and 3-6pm
Visiting restrictions: The same restrictions as those at the Warrnambool Base Hospital (see above).
Camperdown Hospital
Visiting hours: 11am-1pm and 3-6pm
Visiting restrictions: The same restrictions as those at the Warrnambool Base Hospital (see above).
Merindah Lodge
Visiting hours: 2-4pm
Visiting restrictions: A resident can receive two visitors per day, one visitor at a time, for a maximum of one hour/visitor. Some restrictions apply. Visitors must be family members and must make an appointment by calling 5593 7366. Visitors will be screened as they enter Merindah Lodge. Visitors cannot be under 16 years of age.