STAWELL Regional Health's chief executive Kate Pryde has sent her best wishes to everyone across the region for the holiday period.
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During the height of the coronavirus pandemic in Victoria during 2020, Ms Pryde said she was "proud of her community" when dealing with restrictions and safety measures in place.
As the COVID-19 outbreak in NSW continues to grow, and the announcement of one case in Victoria linked to the interstate evolving situation, Ms Pryde reminded residents to stay aware and cautious during the holiday period.
"We have all worked extremely hard to ensure we can have a COVID-19 safe Christmas and beyond," she said.
"But as we know from before, and from watching NSW, the situation can get out of hand very easily once again.
"My team and the public have made huge sacrifices during 2020 - I hope we can keep the virus at bay."
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Ms Pryde said she understood residents were "COVID-19 fatigued" and were looking forward to enjoying the relaxed restrictions.
"We know by following guidelines with social distancing, hand hygiene and limiting group numbers works," she said.
"The evidence was in the fact majority of people in the Stawell region followed the rules and we were very lucky we didn't have cases during winter.
"By continuing to follow the current guidelines we will be minimising the risk of compromising the situation we find ourselves in.
"I know everyone is tired - But by ensuring we don't become complacent means we can celebrate and enjoy our hard work and efforts and those sacrifices made during 2020."
Ms Pryde said a number of staff and executives were now on call over Christmas.
"We really wanted a COVID free Christmas for them - they've all worked so hard and been impacted by this health crisis," she said.
"Now, they've stepped up and gone on call just in case we need to escalate our response here in the region.
"You cant ask more than that of your health care providers."
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Ms Pryde said she was working with East Grampians Health Service's chief executive Andrew Freeman and his team to ensure adequate testing opportunities would be accessible during the holiday period between the two facilities.
"We want to make sure if someone feels they need to be tested, or have received notification to be tested, it is available within the region" she said.
"If people have been on holidays in NSW, have had family visit or are feeling unwell we are still asking them to isolate and come forward for testing.
"We will be monitoring the situation and adjust the hours of our clinic opening hours across the holiday season as needed."
"We are asking for everyone's patience and understanding during this period, we ask our community to contact the Stawell respiratory clinic on 5358 8630 for an appointment ."
If we are unable to speak with you at the time please leave a message and we will contact you to arrange an appointment time.
For appointments in Ararat please call the East Grampians Health Service Respiratory clinic for an appointment on 5352 9532
For general information or confirmation of the need for testing residents can call the Victorian Department of Health Coronavirus hotline - 1800 675 398.
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