6:57pm: Bulla Family Dairy is still awaiting test results from yesterday’s testing blitz at its Connor Street site, despite a DHHS commitment that it would return the results within 24 hours.
Bulla tested 248 employees from 4pm to 9pm yesterday after all employees who had worked at its Connor Street facility were listed as close contacts of two employees that tested positive.
Bulla also surveillance tested a further 300 employees from its Forest Street site today, but those workers do not need to quarantine.
6.46pm: Colac Area Health chief Fiona Brew has confirmed Colac’s current COVID-19 cluster totals 15 cases.
Mrs Brew said contact tracing was underway for the four confirmed cases connected to Bulla, with all employees from Bulla’s Connor Street site undergoing mandatory testing yesterday.
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Where To BuyThe site has undergone deep cleaning and is closed until further notice.
DHHS has recorded just nine cases in Colac Otway Shire during the past week, so the new cases will likely show in their daily figures in the coming days.
Mrs Brew said health staff had also started contact tracing at other Colac businesses including Wydinia Kindergarten and Early Learning Centre.
Clearwater Logging and Transport, Colac Osteopathic Clinic and Western Insurance Brokers have all reported positive cases this week.
Mrs Brew encouraged people in isolation to access support services such as the Colac Community Help Line on 1800 512 424, or Colac Otway Shire on 5232 9400.
Anyone with even mild symptoms should present for a COVID-19 test.
Mrs Brew’s full statement from tonight is below:
“Following investigation and subsequent testing, a number of additional cases have been confirmed in the Colac area bringing the total number of cases associated with this outbreak to 15.
“Contact tracing has established four COVID -19 cases associated with the Bulla Family Dairy (Bulla) Connor Street site (43 Connor Street, Colac), in Colac.
“In response to this small cluster, the site has undergone a deep clean and will continue to remain closed until further notice. All team members from the Connor Street site have undergone mandatory testing. In line with public health guidelines, those who have been tested are in isolation and are now under the care of the Barwon Health COVID-19 Contact Tracing and Monitoring team.
“Workers from Bulla’s second Forest Street site in Colac will also be screened; however, the site will remain open, as no cases have been found associated with this location.
“We commend Bulla for being proactive and implementing additional health and safety protocols during the pandemic, as well as the Colac community that has been following precautions to stay safe.
“Contact tracing and testing has also established a small number of other businesses, including Wydinia Early Learning Centre, have positive cases of COVID-19. These businesses have instigated appropriate public health measures in response to the positive cases and the individuals concerned are isolating with appropriate support.
“If you are in isolation support is available: Colac Community Help Line: 1800 512 424; Colac Otway Shire: 5232 9400.
“Financial support may be available for Victorians who are waiting for test results, self-isolating or are a close contact of a confirmed case. It’s also important to look after your mental health during this pandemic – tips and support services are available on the DHHS website. Accommodation options have also been offered to those that are unable to isolate in their households.
“The Colac community response to the pandemic has been one of a community united, paying attention to the Chief Health Officer directives and supporting one another. Please remember to get tested, even if your symptoms are mild.
“We need to continue working together to get Colac back to zero cases and I’m confident we can achieve this if we remain vigilant and follow the advice from DHHS.”