Sixth person tests positive to coronavirus in south-west Victoria

South West Healthcare chief executive Craig Fraser this morning confirmed the patient tested positive at a private clinic and marks the fourth case for Warrnambool.

Mr Fraser said they had recently returned from overseas and like the other three (two of whom were screened at SWH's respiratory assessment clinic), is recovering in self-seclusion.

Each is an unrelated case and the Department of Health and Human Services is following up any contacts these individuals may have had in the lead-up to their testing positive.

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SWH is also staying in contact with people who test positive to assist in monitoring their health.

Mr Fraser has commended Warrnambool's private screening clinics for their role in helping to minimise the spread of coronavirus through the community.

Today the Victorian Government will expand its dedicated contact tracing services. Messages to close contacts will be sent via a new platform called Whisper, which will tell the person to respond back to the contact tracing team confirming they are self-isolating at home.

Strict SWH visitor restrictions continue. Only one visitor per day per patient, and only between the times of 4-7pm, will be received at the Warrnambool Base Hospital and Camperdown Hospital, while Merindah Lodge is not receiving any visitors. Children under 16 are not to attend as visitors.

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