RESIDENTS across western Victoria are urged not to delay their healthcare if needed in Ballarat.
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Health leaders have moved to reassure residents across the Grampians that most surgeries are continuing, with added infection control, amid the Ballarat COVID outbreak.
Ballarat Health Services acting chief Melanie Robertson made clear healthcare was still "very safe" in Ballarat and it was important people look after all aspects of their health.
There were two COVID patients in BHS Base Hospital as of Friday. They have since been discharged.
Ms Robertson also made clear staffing resources had not been greatly impacted by the outbreak, despite almost 130 staff across the city's two hospitals in isolation from exposure sites.
Anyone with concerns is encouraged to check with their healthcare team.
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This comes after a flood of concern from patients across the Grampians, who are still permitted to enter Ballarat for medical care.
Allied healthcare in the region remains limited to treating the most urgent cases, in a bid to ease pressure on hospitals and general practice clinics.
Meanwhile, strict visitor restrictions on BHS sites, including aged care, remain largely unchanged since mid-July.
General visits are sidelined with some exceptions for compassionate reasons and end-of-life care.
Tight restrictions are in place to keep patients and staff safe.
BHS urges any potential visitors to carefully consider their need to visit BHS sites.
A separate entry remains at the Base Hospital for oncology patients, off Sturt Street.
Blanket picnic rule comes into play for fully-vaccinated
PICNICS are back on the table in Ballarat from today - but only for those who are fully vaccinated.
Up to five fully vaccinated adults from within two households are allowed to meet for picnics or outdoor social gatherings under a slight easing of restrictions for Victorians.
This comes after Victoria reached its 70 per cent first dose target on Friday.
For those who are unvaccinated, or who have had one jab, there is a slight social bonus with the chance to now meet one other person outside to socialise.
The amount of exercise or outdoor socialising allowed also doubles from two hours to four hours and Ballarat residents will be able to travel 10 kilometres from home, passing the five-kilometre limit.
Ballarat remains in hard lockdown with the rule changes in line with tweaks for those living in metropolitan Melbourne.
Playgrounds remain open for children under-12 accompanied by one adult, who must check in qith a QR code and wear a mask at all times - no eating or drinking on site.
Outdoor gyms and skate parks remain closed.
Meanwhile, all construction workers will need to show proof of having had at least one vaccine by Thursday or they will be banned from their worksite.
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