The push for more COVID-19 testing to be undertaken across the regional cities of Bendigo, Ballarat and Geelong needs to come with a warning for residents in these communities.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
We need to prepare for a possible upturn in the number of positive test results that could eventuate as a result, but in doing so, we need to be mature enough to realise the only way we can deal with this pandemic is to identify who has the virus and take the necessary steps to contain its spread.
Those steps will inevitably include conducting further contract tracing, but again, the only way we will get the virus and its spread under control is to confront it and the to together work against it.
Established clusters at St Joseph's primary school, Hazeldene's chicken processing plant at Lockwood and at the massive Don KR premises in Castlemaine have all contributed to a significant spiral in case numbers this past couple of weeks.
It's not difficult to consider the state's three largest regional cities are walking a tightrope, and that we are all delicately poised on the edge of the current Stage Three restrictions and the menacing threat of further and more harsh restrictions should case numbers, and even more worryingly, community transmission rates, continue to grow.
Yesterday's decision to set aside an established testing site for families and anyone associated with existing COVID-19 cases from St Joseph's and also Holy Rosary primary at White Hills is a positive step that also reinforces the rapidly changing face of this ongoing health emergency.
Firstly, stay at home, unless it's absolutely necessary.
And secondly, if you do need to venture outside of your home, you must wear a mask or suitable face covering, unless the current regulations afford you a legitimate reason not to.
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.