OPERATIONS BULLETIN – MAY 25

May 25, 2021

I would like to start by thanking all of you for your efforts and quick actions this last 24 hours. There has been a lot of information shared and actions that have been required at very short notice. This continues to be a situation that is changing by the hour and we’re working closely with the Department of Health to keep you updated as the situation evolves.

First, I’d like to advise that Metropolitan Melbourne has moved to COVID Alert (amber – moderate risk) under the Department of Health’s new system that helps health services assess the risk of COVID, and guides decisions around important topics such as the use of PPE and visitor restrictions. This comes into effect 6pm tonight (25th May 2021).

Accordingly, Western Health is now applying the following restrictions:

  • Visitors: Maximum of two (2) visitors at a time and a maximum of 5 visitors per day, within visitation hours 12pm-8pm
  • Student movement restricted to one site
  • Face masks mandatory for everybody indoors at all Western Health sites
  • Where clinically appropriate telehealth encouraged for outpatients, with risk assessment for face-to-face appointments.

I’m pleased to say that we now also have more information about Highpoint Shopping Centre as an exposure site. As a result, the guidelines detailed in last night’s Operations Bulletin have been refined. The following now applies:

  1. Any staff who were at Highpoint Shopping Centre in Maribyrnong on Thursday, May 20 and who visited Smiggle, Ishka, Kidstuff, Toyworld or Lush at the times listed on the Department of Health’s list of exposure sites must:
  1. Any staff who were at Highpoint Shopping Centre in Maribyrnong on Thursday, May 20, between 5.15pm and 6.35pm and visited all other areas on Level 2 or 3 must:
  1. If somebody from your household worked at Highpoint or visited Highpoint at the above areas and times, do not attend work and contact whscovid-19staffclinicenquiries@wh.org.au for further advice.
  2. If you have been in close contact with someone who visited Highpoint eg. a team meeting/ social event/ birthday party etc. you can continue to come to work and monitor for symptoms.
  3. In line with changes to Victoria’s COVID restrictions, it will be mandatory to wear masks indoors from 6pm this evening. We strongly encourage staff to wear a mask at all times unless they are in a private office with doors closed.
  4. Additional restrictions announced by the Victorian Government this morning include a limit of five (5) visitors to a home per day, and no more than 30 people at public gatherings.

 

Finally, I ask all staff to please regularly check the list of exposure sites, as this is being frequently updated.

I’ll continue to keep you updated.

 

Regards

Natasha