Coronavirus (COVID-19) update – 21 August 2021

As I am sure every Victorian heard today, the COVID-19 situation in Victoria is increasingly serious, with a growing number of unlinked cases active in the community before detected. In response, the Premier announced regional Victoria will enter lockdown, as well as further measures to keep children safe. You can read about the latest here.

This is a reminder to avoid complacency. While the south east is not currently the epicentre of the outbreak, it is critical that we all remain vigilant.

If you experience any symptoms whatsoever, please get tested immediately and isolate until you receive your results. A reminder that COVID-19 symptoms include fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose and a loss or change in sense of smell or taste.

Hand hygiene and wearing appropriate PPE correctly remain critical defences.

Maintaining physical distancing reduces the risk of transmission, and if you can work from home, you must be doing so.

And most importantly, if you have not yet received a vaccination, please do so.

There are over 550 exposure sites now across Victoria, so please keep a daily check on those also.

As always, I am deeply grateful for the work of the entire team at Monash Health. Please do take care, stay safe and reach out for support if you need it.

Andrew Stripp

Chief Executive

Reminders

Please carry your employee ID card when travelling to and from work
In line with the Victorian government’s tightened lockdown restrictions, from 11.59pm on 16 August, permits are required to leave the house for authorised work, consistent with arrangements in place last year.

 For Monash Health employees, this means always travelling to and from work with your employee identification card, which can be shown in place of a permit.

 All employees of Monash Health are permitted workers. This includes clinical, as well as administrative and support services employees. Read more here.

Simple way to check exposure sites quickly before attestation

With hundreds of current exposure sites across Victoria, keeping up can be confusing, so here’s a tip that can make it easier to check exposure sites quickly.

Seeking assistance and support from our EAP service
Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides employees and their families with free and confidential support and advice. With ongoing changes to restrictions and lockdown rules, it is a challenging time for many. There are several resources and support services available to support you. Call to make an appointment on 1300 687 327.