Café exposures at Monash Medical Centre
Today we have learned about a number of exposures involving café sites at Monash Medical Centre. As per our Monash Health process, contact tracing started immediately, and Outbreak Management Teams have been established.
Infection Prevention has reviewed the exposures and undertaken the necessary contact tracing.
Nesso Café exposure
Nesso (located in the Translational Research facility of Monash Medical Centre) has been declared a COVID-19 exposure site on Wednesday 22 September and Thursday 23 September from 9.30am – 4.30pm, and on Monday 27 September from 9.00am – 11.30am.
As a result, Nesso café and the female public toilet located behind the café will be classified as a Tier 2 exposure site and listed on the State Government website for the times above.
Although the risk of COVID-19 transmission is assessed as low, we ask any person who visited the café or used the toilet at that time to:
- Test and isolate until a negative result is received. Those unsure of the time they may have been at the café can check their bank statement for transactions times; and,
- Advise your manager to address any operational issues.
Zouki Café exposure
Zouki Café at Monash Medical Centre has also been declared an exposure site for Monday 20 September and Wednesday 22 September, between 12.00pm and 1.00pm.
As a result, Zouki will be classified as a Tier 2 exposure site and listed on the State Government website.
Although the risk of COVID-19 transmission is assessed as low, we ask any employee who ate at tables inside at Zouki on the times listed above to:
- Test and isolate until a negative result is received. Those unsure of the time they may have been at the café can check their bank statement for transactions times; and,
- Advise your manager to address any operational issues.
Infection Prevention has advised that the risk of exposure only applies to people who ate inside on those days and times. If you bought takeaway during these times, you are not considered to be at risk.
Employees are encouraged to check their own banking records, which may assist in providing information on likely times of attendance.
If you are required to take a test, you may present at any Monash Health screening clinic. Please bring your Monash Health, Hudson or Monash University ID for priority access at any walk-in or drive-through clinic.
Naturally, if you feel unwell with COVID-19 symptoms, stay home and get tested for COVID-19.
A strong emphasis on safety is a key defence against the risk of COVID-19 transmission within our health service. Putting safety first in all that we do is critical to protecting ourselves, our patients, and our health service’s ongoing operation.
Correct PPE usage is one of our cornerstone safety measures. We have seen through exposures in our health service and others how effective it can be in containing and often preventing the spread of COVID-19 when used properly.
The levels of PPE required in different working situations are outlined in our PPE Compulsory Standards.
You should also take a moment to review our COVID-19 procedure, which can be found on PROMPT.
It is essential that we all maintain vigilance and awareness of the risk of infection. Anyone who feels unwell or is displaying any COVID-19 symptoms must not attend work and should be tested.
Of course, should you have any concerns, please talk with your manager or call the Monash Health Employee Hotline on (03) 9594 5815, 7am to 8pm, seven days a week. If you are at all concerned for your wellbeing, please consult the employee health and wellbeing resources on our COVID-19 website.
Andrew Stripp
Chief Executive
All managers are requested to share these updates with their teams and discuss at stand-ups and handovers. Please print a copy and display it in communication books and on employee noticeboards.
As advice and information evolve, please regularly consult the latest updates by visiting the Victorian coronavirus website and the Monash Health COVID-19 website.