JULY 21, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Mask up for community
(Damjan Janevski) 211319_03
Emma Slattery and her dog Lexi look marvellous in their face masks. They’re heeding the advice of Premier Daniel Andrews who on Sunday said it was compulsory for those (humans) living in metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire to wear face masks outside of the home. Mr Andrews made the recommendation on advice from the state’s chief health oficer, following new evidence from global medical experts that wearing masks can help reduce the transmission of COVID-19 by about 60 per cent. “Staying at home if you feel unwell is still the best way to slow the spread of coronavirus but wearing a cloth mask provides an additional physical barrier, adding one more layer of protection for you and those around you,” Mr Andrews said. Star Weekly last week asked residents in lockdown to send in photos of themselves and their families wearing face masks, or engaging in lockdown activities. See page 8-9 for more pictures. Alesha Capone
Virus cases hit new high By Ewen McRae Cases of COVID-19 in Melton have hit their highest point since the pandemic began, with dozens of new cases detected in the past week. While Melton has been included in the reintroduction of stage 3 lockdown measures for metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire, the rise in cases across the state has been relected in local numbers. here were 124 active cases of the virus within the Melton municipality on July 19, up from just 13 active cases at the end of June.
here has now been 210 cases of the virus within Melton since the pandemic began. Despite travel restrictions between the metropolitan ring and Moorabool, there have also been three new cases detected within the shire, bringing its total to ive. It comes as the state government made face masks mandatory in public from July 23, with $200 ines for those who fail to comply. Djerriwarrh Health Services chief executive Belinda Scott said despite the rise in cases she was proud of the response from staf and urged the community to continue to come forward to
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It is crucial that we all play our part by following social - Belinda Scott distancing
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be tested in they have symptoms. “I am particularly proud of the way our team has stepped up during this time and have continued to provide the exceptional level of care that our community has come to expect from us,” Ms Scott said.
“As the number of cases has climbed, we have seen an increase in the demand on our drive-through fever clinic in Melton, demand that we continue to meet. “Since March, our COVID-19 drive-through testing clinic has screened more than 14,285 members of the community. “he number of cases in Moorabool remain low compared to other areas in Victoria, which relects the continued eforts of our community to protect each other. However, it is crucial that we all play our part by following social distancing and hygiene advice.”
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