15/10/2021
COVID-19 Update Swan Hill Kerang October 15 2021
An update for the Swan Hill and Kerang Communities
We know that there are now confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Swan Hill and surrounds and we expect that number will increase.
If you are infected, isolate; if you are not infected, vaccinate.
COVID-19 situation in SWAN HILL-KERANG
• Over the past 24-hour period (Wednesday and Thursday) there has been a significant increase in the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members in Swan Hill testing positive for COVID-19.
• Children under 12 are currently testing positive to COVID-19 and this is a matter of concern
• MDAS Swan Hill is NOT a COVID-19 exposure site
• There are no new active cases in Kerang at this stage, but we are watching the situation closely and reaching out to Kerang Community to be safe, and to get vaccinated.
COVID-19 TESTING
• Testing is currently available through Swan Hill District Hospital via the McCallum Street Clinic
• MDAS is urgently sourcing rapid testing resources and will make this available for Koori Community. We will advise when the rapid testing site becomes operational.
COVID-19 VACCINATION: MDAS SWAN HILL AND KERANG
• MDAS Kerang is holding a walk-in vaccination clinic today (Thursday October 14)
• MDAS Swan Hill will hold a walk-in vaccination clinic on Friday October 14
• Previously vaccinations at both sites were by appointmen.
• We have gained access to three additional vaccination staff to increase our capacity for vaccination from THURSDAY October 14. Walk in vaccination is available for Koori Community only. ATSI Community members do not have to book an appointment to have their COVID-19 vaccination at MDAS Swan Hill – they can walk in, and their vaccination will be prioritized.
COMMENTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO MDAS SWAN HILL-KERANG GENERAL MANAGER SAMANTHA BRENNAN
• The only way we can protect our children is for the adults around them to get vaccinated.
• Stopping the spread of COVID-19 depends on the actions of every one of us.
• If you are infected isolate, if you are not infected, vaccinate.
• If you don’t need to be out and about in community, stay home.
• If you have been out and about in community and in contact with anyone who might have been exposed to COVID-19, get tested, even if you don’t have symptoms.
• If you have any COVID-19 symptoms at all, get tested.
• If you have not been vaccinated, come to our MDAS clinic and Aboriginal community members will be prioritized.
• Please support those who need to isolate showing love and compassion. We need to support and encourage each other. This virus isn’t something that people spread intentionally; it is something that happens and sometimes people are unaware they are spreading it to others. Let’s show support and kindness rather than discriminating and pushing our mob away.
• If you don’t have anywhere to self-isolate, please let us know. Phone MDAS on 5032 8600 or 1800 183 593
• For information, support and food parcels, contact MDAS Swan Hill 5032 8600 or Kerang 5412 6004