The Minister for Health has moved to reassure Victorians that the State’s health services have pandemic arrangements in place and ready to be activated as Australia ramps up its response to COVID-19.
The Minister, Jenny Mikakos said the Victorian primary care sector was working with the Commonwealth to ensure the appropriate knowledge, response and capacity was available to treat patients.
She said communication with at-risk groups was taking place and hospitals were prepared for potential increased demands as COVID-19 spreads.
“While COVID-19 has not been declared a pandemic, there is a high probability that the virus will spread and impact more Victorians,” Ms Mikakos said.
She said the Government was prepared to take additional targeted action based on expert medical advice, including ramping up public communication; increasing space in hospitals for urgent and critical care; and providing different models of care to reduce public exposure, such as telehealth.
“All of us can play our part when it comes to stopping the spread of this virus – please heed the health warnings and avoid public places if you are in the at-risk groups,” Ms Mikakos said.
Victorian Chief Health Officer, Professor Brett Sutton said it was important that workers in health and aged care monitored their health.
“If you are returning from Italy or South Korea, and you work as a healthcare worker or as a residential aged care worker, you should not attend your regular work for 14 days,” Professor Sutton said.
Ms Mikakos said anyone who suspected they may have COVID-19 should call the dedicated hotline, serviced by Nurse-On-Call, on 1800 675 398.
