West Wimmera Health Service closes facilities to visitors

WWHS chief executive Ritchie Dodds said the call was made to lockdown the facilities again to protect the safety of patients and staff after positive cases were recorded in the Wimmera.

"We obviously can't be certain but there is a very real likelihood that at some stage soon we will see the virus spread to one or more of the local communities we cover. If and when the virus does arrive we must remain calm and bear in mind key advice from the Government," he said.

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"We appreciate it is challenging for residents and loved ones that visiting has again been suspended, but it is important that we minimise the possibility of COVID-19 spreading into our facilities."

Exceptional circumstances may be approved by the onsite Director of Nursing.

Acute services are still operating for emergency and urgent care cases, with patients asked to phone ahead so staff can prepare for their presentation and conduct a COVID-19 screening questionnaire.

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