TWENTY-SEVEN negative COVID-19 tests have come as a massive relief for a Bendigo business, listed as a virus exposure site.
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All staff at Delecca's Machine Sales had tested negative for the virus by early Saturday afternoon, after the business was notified on Friday that a COVID-19 case had visited the venue the previous week.
It was cleared to reopen mid-Sunday, after a certified deep clean.
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Co-owner Jason Delecca said it had been a shock to be notified the business was an exposure site, especially as it came only a day after the discovery of regional cases.
The COVID-19 positive person had visited from Shepparton on Friday August 13, between 4.30 and 5.10pm.
It was named as a tier two exposure site, requiring any visitors to get tested and self-isolate until they received a negative result.
Mr Delecca said the Department notified the business it was an exposure site around lunchtime on Friday.
Their first step was to lock the gates. Then they sent staff at Delecca's and a co-located business straight to get tested.
Mr Delecca said the first batch of negative results came in about 8am on Saturday, with the final results in by 2pm.
He said the last batch was a massive relief.
The business received its final clearance to reopen mid-Sunday. It will open its doors again on Monday under stage four lockdown protocols.
Mr Delecca said Delecca's had been lucky to have support from local businesses, and their national suppliers.
He said staff had also been brilliant about testing and isolation.
"We got ... a massive amount of support from the local community and the business community, which has been really inspiring," Mr Delecca said.
The business posted on its Facebook page early on Friday afternoon to say it would be closed until staff tested negative after being named as an exposure site.
The Department of Health listed it as a tier two exposure site on Saturday morning, requiring anyone who had visited between 4.30 and 5.10pm on Friday August 13 to get tested and isolate until they received a result.
Testing locations statewide are available on the Victorian government website, as is a full list of COVID-19 exposure sites.
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Elspeth Kernebone
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
