The weekend's two new cases of coronavirus in Portland are not believed to be linked to the existing outbreak in the town, its hospital's chief has said.
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In an update to the community on Monday night, Portland District Health chief executive officer Chris Giles said the results raised the possibility of community transmission from an unknown source.
Two people who were tested on July 31 returned positive tests on Sunday, and Ms Giles said the new cases "do not appear to link to the existing outbreak in Portland".
"These cases are under investigation to connect the links to known cases in Victoria, presently however there remains a possibility we have community transmission from an unknown source," she said.
"I am worried that possible community transmission maybe occurring, the risk may only be small but it is still worrying for the community.
"I ask everyone in the community to be on high alert and ultra diligent with physical distancing, hand washing, wearing a mask or face covering and don't leave home unless you absolutely need to.
Ms Giles said she knew that there were people in the community who would like a list of places to be reassure.
"But you must assume if you have been doing the right thing you will not be at risk," she said.
Ms Giles said the best thing anyone could do was be aware of the symptoms of COVID -19.
"If you have any of these, stay at home, arrange a test with the fever clinic and whilst waiting for test results isolate from other people," she said.
"We are increasing the capacity of testing with assistance from surrounding health services and looking at reducing other services to redeploy staff to assist and reduce the time taken to arrange a test.
"Please be patient, we have your details and will be in contact as soon as we can.
Ms Giles said that it was planning a second drive-through, with no appointment needed, to start from Wednesday at a community site.
More details would be provided on Tuesday.
"At present, DHHS guidelines only allow symptomatic testing for COVID- 19 unless you have been notified by DHHS contact tracing team that you are a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19 and instructed to get tested," she said.
There were no positive tests returned in Portland on Monday.
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