20/07/2021
MDAS Mildura reopens in a COVID-safe way
Successful response to current outbreak
Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) will reopen its Mildura buildings tomorrow after successfully responding to the current COVID-19 outbreak.
MDAS closed its health clinic on Orange Avenue and its building in Tenth Street, Mildura on 19 January as a precautionary measure after being notified that a secondary contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case may have visited these sites.
MDAS implemented its Emergency Management Plan, which included COVID-19 testing of affected staff members and deep cleaning of necessary premises. All COVID-19 tests returned negative results and the Department of Health has cleared MDAS to re-open.
MDAS will open both its health clinic and Tenth Street building from 9am tomorrow, with all services to be offered in a COVID-safe way. In summary:
• All medical appointments will be provided via Telehealth;
• All non-medical services will be provided over the phone or via video conference;
• No one is to attend MDAS in-person without an appointment;
• Face-to-face services will be limited to crisis/urgent care requirements. Anyone requiring urgent care is asked to phone MDAS and discuss their needs with staff so the appropriate arrangements can be made.
MDAS staff will return on a rotational basis, with half of the workforce working on-site and half working from home.
The MDAS health clinic on Orange Avenue will continue to offer COVID-19 testing and vaccination by appointment only, with the next vaccination clinic expected scheduled for Friday 23 July, 2021.
MDAS continues to have a strong supply of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
To make an appointment, people can phone MDAS on free-call number 1800 183 593.
The following comments are attributable to Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) Chief Executive Officer Jacki Turfrey.
“We responded swiftly and appropriately to the situation, ensuring the safety of our staff members and Community.
“MDAS is here for our Community and we will continue to provide services to support our Mob. If you need us, phone our free-call number 1800 183 593. We will do everything we can to make sure you are looked after in a COVID-safe way.
“We recognise how challenging the current COVID-19 outbreak is for everyone, but we all need to follow the current lockdown restrictions and stay home.
“There are only five reasons to leave home: getting the food and the supplies you need, exercising for up to two hours, care or caregiving, work or education if you can’t do it from home, or to get vaccinated. We have to take this seriously to protect ourselves and our Community.”