THE region’s medical chief has urged Limestone Coast community members not to travel to Victoria unless it is under “life-threatening” circumstances.
The advice comes as the COVID-19 situation escalated in Victoria with a further 191 new cases of the virus recorded yesterday.
Limestone Coast Local Health Network medical services executive director Dr Elaine Pretorius said the Limestone Coast was “by no means” in the clear of the COVID-19 virus despite not recording a case in more than three months.
“My advice to the general public is that I would not go to Victoria unless it was a life-threatening situation,” Dr Pretorius said.
“I think the risk is growing very rapidly now – you can see how very quickly 30 cases can become 191 cases and they have more than 700 active cases now.”
Highlighting the precarious position, Dr Pretorius said the community should be reminded of the high infection rate of the COVID-19 virus.
“It only takes one or two people to come back to the Limestone Coast with the virus for it to spread,” she said.
“We are absolutely at the highest risk of anyone in South Australia simply because of our geography.”
However, Dr Pretorius reassured the community the hospital remained prepared and ready for any potential outbreak.
“We are ready and prepared,” she said.
“Our testing numbers have actually gone up recently because we have opened it up to anyone who might have a bit of a sniffle.”
Praising the community for their response to the virus at the beginning of the pandemic, Dr Pretorius warned against complacency over the coming weeks and months.
“I think our community was fantastic and our businesses continue to do a great job,” Dr Pretorius said.
“However, I think people are becoming a little bit laid back, there are a lot of people out and about, which is fine, but if you are out and about, pretend that you have the COVID-19 virus and maintain all those good things we learned during what we thought was the height of the virus, because this maybe the height now.”
With stricter border controls set to be put in place tonight, the chances of a travel bubble between western Victoria and the Limestone Coast appear unlikely.
Dr Pretorius admitted she was apprehensive about the idea when it was first flagged by Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell.
“You have to rely on people to do the right thing and when you hear of people refusing to be swabbed and people saying it’s a hoax, it is a concern,” she said.
“When you have things like a bubble, you are relying on everyone in those communities to do the right thing and I am just not convinced everyone is taking it seriously enough.”
Dr Pretorius also praised the decision by the State Government to ensure essential travellers use personal protective equipment and masks when they are interacting with the South Australian community,
“The evidence around wearing masks now is very clear,” she said.
“It’s been shown to be one of the most effective things wearing the mask when you have community spread is really effective.”
