WDHS COVID-19 case update 27-1-2022, 4pm
• 19 people in our region were notified of positive PCR results today.
• 884 people have tested positive at the WDHS Drive-thru since Monday 3rd January.
• 27 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*.
• 0 people receiving care at Hamilton Base Hospital.
• 50 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) who returned a positive PCR test result last week is continuing to do well and is being monitored by the dedicated team at PDHS. The facility has enacted its COVID-safe plan and will remain closed to visitors and contractors (exceptions apply) until all remaining PCR tests have returned.
With local case numbers now starting to stabilise, we have made the decision to re-commence some category 2 & 3 surgeries as of Wednesday 2 February. WDHS will contact patients directly to let them know if they have been booked for surgery.
Category 1 and Emergency surgery will continue as normal.
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 (PCR or Rapid Antigen) or are waiting for your result and are feeling unwell, 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. If you have not received your COVID-19 test results after 72 hours you can now call the Dorevitch COVID-19 Results Hotline on (03) 9667 9227 (8am – 6pm) to speak to their Client Care Team.
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.
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.