A positive COVID-19 case has been confirmed at a supported living house for people with a disability in Sebastopol.
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The company running the house, Aruma, confirmed in a statement a worker received a positive result on Thursday - the worker had followed all rules and guidelines, they added.
"This person had not been on shift at the house since August 6," the statement reads.
"The person appropriately advised that a family member was being tested and asked to be excluded from any shifts (from August 6) until the results of the family member were received.
"When the family member's test result returned positive to COVID-19, this staff member immediately got tested and was also confirmed a positive COVID-19 case. Upon confirmation, we immediately contacted the customers and families to advise."
The staff member lives in the Ballarat area, and has not worked at any other facilities since at least July 1.
The company said it informed families of clients as soon as it was told about the positive test.
"We then sent a letter confirming the positive case in writing to the families. This letter also outlined the measures Aruma was putting in place to test and monitor the residents in the home, to keep everyone safe and to minimise exposure to Covid-19," the statement reads.
"We have a dedicated local staffing team who have responded to this situation extremely well.
"Those who are not isolating have picked up extra shifts such as sleepovers to provide familiarity and continuity of care to our customers. The staff want to reduce the number of people coming and going from the home and understand the importance of this for our customers.
"Staff have generously agreed to work longer shifts for the same reason.
"All staff who work in this home are based in the local area, including those that are now helping customers to isolate.
The facility has been deep cleaned, and all residents and close contact staff will be tested - close contact staff have also been asked to isolate for 14 days.
However, the parent of one adult resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said there needed to be more communication from the company, particularly about casual workers.
They said it was a reminder that the virus was still out there, and sometimes did not present symptoms.
"This can spread so quickly - I want people to know this is affecting a lot of families," they said.
"This can really affect so many people that shouldn't be in that position."
"This is a severe house, they all have 24-7 needs, they're totally dependent on the staff.
"People need to be more transparent, and take this seriously.
"It's real here in Ballarat, it's real, and I'm scared for (my child)."
Remember to always maintain good hand hygiene, wear a mask when in public, and keep a 1.5 metre distance from others at all times.
IN THE NEWS
Right now there are only four reasons to leave your home in Ballarat during stage three restrictions: care and caregiving, local exercise, shopping for necessary items, and for work or study if you are unable to do so from home.
Victoria Police are enforcing restrictions, and penalties apply.
Anyone with the slightest symptoms is urged to get a test immediately, and must self-isolate until results come back - book online at bchc.org.au or phone 4311 1571 to make an appointment.
For more information, visit the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website, or phone the hotline on 1800 675 398 for advice if you are displaying symptoms.
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