Nursing, medical and support staff across Western District Health Service (WDHS) came together this week to thank the community for doing their bit to keep everyone safe.
Chief Executive, Rohan Fitzgerald says since the pandemic began, individuals, families, businesses, community groups, schools, churches and sporting clubs have really stepped up, to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
“We saw locals choosing to stay at home before restrictions came into force and we’ve achieved high rates of compliance with wearing face masks, hand hygiene and social distancing. When many people apply these protective measures, it makes a huge difference.
Even though the virus has a long way to run, we need to recognise that together we have achieved an enormous amount in recent months.
The community response across the Southern Grampians means that we have effectively suppressed COVID-19 during this cycle of the virus. I know we’ve asked a lot of people across the region and each time they’ve given so generously to make us all safe,” he said.
The current situation in Melbourne shows that healthcare workers are at high risk of contracting COVID-19, representing over 12.5% of all cases in Victoria.
Mr Fitzgerald says each individual’s selfless acts contribute to lower rates of community transmission and less healthcare workers getting sick.
“The number of health professionals infected with the virus climbed again this week to 2,000, of the approximately 16,000 COVID-19 cases recorded in the State to date.
Cases of the virus continue to grow in many parts of regional Victoria, despite stage three restrictions. Locally the Glenelg Shire has been one of the hardest hit communities, recording 18 cases since July and a further two new cases on Thursday night.
Politically, the State Government has thrown everything but the kitchen sink at the virus. They have introduced new laws, sanctions, and fines and put restrictions on basic freedoms that we normally take for granted. Never have our lives been so regulated, but despite the unprecedented changes, the virus persists.
While these laws set a strong direction, they alone are not enough. Without a vaccine, big hearts are going to be what combats COVID-19 and thankfully, we have plenty across our region.
Mr Fitzgerald says WDHS has had to adapt its creating healthier community’s vision quickly, to respond to COVID-19.
“We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to make sure our team of highly trained health professionals can support our local community irrespective of what comes our way.
No matter how much we do however, it is the work outside of the hospital that matters most, because that is where we stop transmission of the virus.
WDHS is incredibly grateful to everyone in the Southern Grampians for the sacrifices made to fight COVID-19. Thank you from ‘Team WDHS’ to all of the mum’s, dad’s, sons, daughters, grandparents, businesses, community groups, churches, local government and individuals for keeping us and your community safe,” Mr Fitzgerald said.