WDHS COVID-19 case update 21-1-2022, 7pm
• 10 people in our region were notified of positive PCR results today.
• 718 people have tested positive at the WDHS Drive-thru since Monday 3rd January.
• 20 people are now being cared for in the Hospital in the Home (HITH) program. The HITH program provides care (in the home) to positive, or suspected positive cases who are unwell, or vulnerable*.
• 3 people are receiving care at Hamilton Base Hospital.
• 91 people attended the Drive-thru clinic at the Showgrounds today for PCR testing.
*Please note people are admitted and discharged from the HITH program on a daily basis and these numbers do not represent the total active/positive cases in the Southern Grampians Shire.
A resident at Penshurst District Health Service (PDHS) has returned a positive PCR test result today. The facility has enacted its COVID-safe plan and is closed to visitors and contractors (exceptions apply) until further PCR tests are returned. The COVID positive resident is doing well and will continue to be monitored by the dedicated team at PDHS.
Due to reduced workforce and the need to directly staff various aspects of our COVID response, the cancellation of all Category 3 and Category 2 surgical cases will be extended to Sunday 27th February 2022. Category 1 and Emergency surgery will continue as normal. All affected customers will be notified by the Admissions / Theatre teams in the coming days.
COVID-19 is circulating widely in our community, to keep yourself and others safe remember to:
• Continue doing the basics – wash your hands, keep your distance, socialise outdoors, and wear a mask.
• Get your booster vaccination if you had your 2nd dose at least 3 months ago.
• Get tested if you have symptoms, or are a household contact (PCR test).
• It is also recommended to get a test if you are a social, work or education contact (RA test).
• If you test positive, isolate and tell your household, social, work and education contacts immediately about your result. Helpful information is available online for cases and contacts:https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/checklist
If you have tested positive (or are waiting for your result) and are feeling unwell, or have a COVID test result query, call the WDHS COVID support line on 1800 313 021 (8am to 8pm). If you are in need of urgent medical attention, please call 000.Household contacts and anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms should get tested at the WDHS Drive-thru clinic, Hamilton Showgrounds (enter via King St)*.
The Drive-thru is now open 7 days a week – 8am to 11am. To save time at the clinic, please click this link to pre-register for your test:https://testtracker.covid19.dhhs.vic.gov.au/citizen-prefill
*Please note – PCR test result response times have improved, and results are generally being returned by Dorevitch Pathology within 48 hours.
It is now mandatory to report your positive rapid antigen test result to the Health Department by visiting:www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/report or calling 1300 651 160.
If you have tested positive on a rapid antigen test and are feeling unwell, or concerned please call the WDHS Hotline 1800 313 021 to be referred to the Hospital in the Home program for care and support.
The Helping Hands Hotline is also available for anyone who needs assistance with essential tasks or items when isolating due to COVID-19. Call 1800 943 131, or email helpinghands@wdhs.net to access this service.