MARCH 24, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Clinic boost as virus hits
The drive-thru coronavirus clinic. Inset: Melton resident Jack is tested by nurses Meagan Thomas and Sam Coxford. (Pictures: Marco De Luca) 206763
A drive-thru coronavirus clinic in Melton West is helping to ease the strain on local health services. The fever clinic opened on March 17 and is running from 9am until 9pm, but is only testing people who meet the set criteria from the Department of Health and Human Services. Djerriwarrh Health chief executive Belinda Scott said more than 350 people were tested in the irst two days the clinic was open. “It’s enabled us to keep our main health services running as normal, while still looking after people who may be worried and meet the criteria to be tested,” Ms Scott said. To qualify for swab testing you have to have travelled overseas in the past 14 days or had close contact with a conirmed COVID-19 case, and also display symptoms of the virus. A call centre has also been set up for those that are unable to drive to the centre, or are concerned. “This [COVID-19] is likely to overwhelm health services in the coming weeks, so we’re doing our part to manage our part of the system,” Ms Scott said. A similar clinic has also opened in Bacchus Marsh.
Virus shuts down region By Ewen McRae Schools have closed and all pubs, clubs, casinos, cinemas, gyms and places of worship have been shut as the state battles the COVID-19 pandemic. he state government announced that essential services would continue to operate, including banks, supermarkets, chemists and service stations. he prime minister on Sunday asked all Australians to cancel non-essential travel. Local business groups last week called on residents to shop local as the impact of the
coronavirus hit hard. With many residents self isolating as the crisis intensiies, small businesses in Melton and Moorabool have been among the most afected, with shopping strips quieter and spending down. BizConnect Moorabool president Ian Prince said while the initial impact of the virus was high spending, the long-term efects were starting to be felt. “My irst thought was that business would thrive as people went bulk buying of stock, but that doesn’t last long,” Mr Prince said.
“Eventually people have spent what they have to, they’ve stocked up, and we end up with a fair downturn. “It’s going to be tough for local business as people stop buying items that aren’t essential.” Mr Prince said he had noticed a considerable drop in foot traic in the town centres, but said it was important for residents to continue to support small business wherever possible. “We’re not set up for a town that could shut down tomorrow, so we have to support our local business,” he said. “If we can support each other through this it will help business, but it
will also help the towns that are going to be doing it tough.” Melton council’s engagement and advocacy manager Sean McManus echoed the shop local message. “Supporting local businesses has an enormous impact on the people who run them, their staf and their families, as well as our local economy,” he said. “Consider shopping online or over the phone at a local business, buy a git card, or order takeaway from your favourite local restaurant.” Melton council on Monday closed all of its community facilities. Maternal and child health services will continue via phone.
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