Exposure sites emerge in north

(Louisa Jones) 248473_06

Update: On Tuesday night Barwon Health advised it had removed BP Corio as an exposure site and replaced it with BP Little River, following further investigation. See updated exposure site list in article below.

 

Eleven tier two exposure sites emerged across Corio, Norlane and Lara on Tuesday in connection to six new COVID-19 cases in a single Lara household.

“Barwon Health has identified a number of additional exposure sites in the Geelong region,” Barwon South West Public Health Unit director Eugene Athan confirmed that afternoon.

“These sites are linked to a household in Lara where all six residents have tested positive for COVID-19.”

Barwon Health on Tuesday morning confirmed five tier two sites in Corio for Saturday, August 21, including:

• Corio Village Shopping Centre common mall areas from 12.15pm to 2pm;

• Chemist Warehouse from 12.15pm to 1.45pm;

• Coles from 12.20pm to 1.30pm;

• Corio Fruit and Veg Market from 12.55pm to 1.30pm; and

• McDonalds from 1.00pm to 1.45pm.

That afternoon the health provider released another six tier two exposure sites including:

• Riordan Fuels Lara (Shell), 1 Forrest Road, from 1.25pm to 2.10pm on Sunday, August 22;

• Bunnings Norlane from 3.15pm to 4.15pm on Friday, August 20;

• Coles Lara Village from 1pm to 2.30pm on Thursday, August 19;

  • BP Little River – Princes Highway Geelong-bound, from 5.45pm to 6.15pm on Thursday, August 19;

• Lara Post Office from 12pm to 1.30pm on Tuesday, August 17; and

• Lara Physiotherapy Health Network from 4pm to 5.30pm on Monday, August 16, and 5.35pm to 6.30pm on Tuesday, August 17.

Professor Athan urged anyone at the exposure sites during the times listed or with symptoms to get tested as soon as possible.

“Barwon Health’s testing sites have extended hours to cater for increased demand and an additional site has been set up on the Deakin University Waurn Ponds campus,” he said.

“The community is encouraged to attend the site closest to them if they need testing.

“Anyone who visited an exposure site outside of the listed times does not need to get tested unless they have symptoms.

“Wearing masks, hand hygiene and social distancing remain the most effective ways to reduce transmission.”

Professor Athan said Barwon Health would advise of any additional exposure sites as soon as possible.

Testing locations: barwonhealth.org.au/coronavirus/where-to-get-tested.