8/10/2021
COVID-19 Update October 8, 2021
MDAS response to Mildura oubreak
We know that the number of confirmed cases around Mildura and surrounds is increasing.
We know there has been a significant increase in the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community testing positive for COVID-19.
If you are infected, isolate; if you are not infected, vaccinate.
COVID-19 situation in Mildura
• 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 testing positive for COVID-19. A majority of the positive cases on Thursday are in children under 12.
• MDAS is NOT a COVID-19 exposure site.
COVID-19 TESTING
• Approximately 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) Community members were tested for COVID-19 at MDAS Mildura on Thursday 7 October 2021
o 70 ATSI community members at the Koori-only testing site MDAS set up
o Approx. another 30 people were tested using the rapid testing technology available at the MDAS health clinic in Mildura
• The MDAS Koori-only testing site will open again at 9 am on Friday,
• The Bendigo Public Health Unit is providing drive-through testing at Mildura’s Old Aerodrome Ovals (Eleventh St)
o Friday 8 and Saturday 9 Oct, 8.30am to 5.30pm
o Sunday 10 Oct, 8.30am to 1.30pm.
COVID-19 VACCINATION: MDAS MILDURA
• 324 people were vaccinated for COVID-19 at MDAS Mildura on Thursday 7 October 2021
• ATSI Community members do not have to book an appointment to have their COVID-19 vaccination at MDAS Mildura – they can walk in, and their vaccination will be prioritized.
• Again, this in response to rapidly increasing COVID-19 numbers in the local Aboriginal community.
• This arrangement will be in place at the MDAS Mildura COVID-19 vaccination clinic until further notice.
COMMENTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO MDAS CEO JACKI TURFREY
• 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 5018 4100 ask for Darlene Thomas.
Background:
• MDAS Mildura has administered more than 8500 COVID-19 vaccines since the vaccination program began in March 2021
• Today was the good vaccination day we have had 324
• In Mildura, COVID-19 vaccine clinics are being held Monday-Friday at the old CFA building in Orange Ave. Appointments are available by phoning 1800 183 593 or emailing covidvaccineclinic@mdas.org.au
• In Swan Hill and Kerang, COVID-19 vaccinations are by appointment. To make an appointment, phone MDAS Swan Hill 5032 8600.