The staff member who first tested positive for the deadly virus has been self-isolating since Tuesday a fortnight ago when they first felt symptoms.

In a statement on Tuesday afternoon, BHS affected residents and staff who had been in close contact of positive cases had been regularly monitored and tested for the virus and continually return negative results.

This meant Bill Crawford was preparing to return to normal operations under lockdown "in coming days".

BHS said all people who contracted the virus through Bill Crawford Lodge, a dementia care facility, had been unknowingly exposed to the virus before the first case was identified. But, since the first case was identified no further transmission has occurred.

Five cases, including the worker, were identified at the Ballarat Health Services Bill Crawford Lodge between July 17-20.

There were two residents who tested positive for the virus who were move to BHS Base Hospital for further care and in a bid to better contain the virus. The other three cases have been recovering in home isolation.

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BHS chief executive officer Dale Fraser said managing the outbreak had been a whole-of-health-service response and he commended all BHS staff in their dedication and professionalism in this time.

Mr Fraser has said Ballarat Aged Care, an arm of BHS, benefits from easier access to clinical and infection control in managing the outbreak and, with higher staff-to-patient ratios, this helped prevent a cluster as seen in some Melbourne aged care facilities.

BHS is caring for four active COVID-19 cases in the Base Hospital. Of these infected persons, three are in a stable condition and one patient is in intensive care. The health services is also caring for eight active cases, who are self-isolating at home.

BHS said all people who contracted the virus through Bill Crawford Lodge, a dementia care facility, had been unknowingly exposed to the virus before the first case was identified. But, since the first case was identified no further transmission has occurred.

Five cases, including the worker, were identified at the Ballarat Health Services Bill Crawford Lodge between July 17-20.

There were two residents who tested positive for the virus who were move to BHS Base Hospital for further care and in a bid to better contain the virus. The other three cases have been recovering in home isolation.

LATEST CORONAVIRUS NEWS

BHS chief executive officer Dale Fraser said managing the outbreak had been a whole-of-health-service response and he commended all BHS staff in their dedication and professionalism in this time.

Mr Fraser has said Ballarat Aged Care, an arm of BHS, benefits from easier access to clinical and infection control in managing the outbreak and, with higher staff-to-patient ratios, this helped prevent a cluster as seen in some Melbourne aged care facilities.

BHS is caring for four active COVID-19 cases in the Base Hospital. Of these infected persons, three are in a stable condition and one patient is in intensive care. The health services is also caring for eight active cases, who are self-isolating at home.

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Everyone who feels even the slightest cold or flu-like symptom must assume they have the virus until a test result proves otherwise. Anybody with symptoms or awaiting a result should self-isolate at home.

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