Day-13 Testing For Bacchus Marsh
After determined representations to the Victorian Health Minister, the State Government has re-assessed and improved its Covid-19 testing regime in the Bacchus Marsh region to deal with an expected huge surge in testing requirement tomorrow.
Following a discussion with Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Professor Brett Sutton, the Member for Western Victoria, Bev McArthur, confirmed her written request to the Minister for Health for increased testing capacity centred around Bacchus Marsh Grammar.
Mrs McArthur was pleased to see her efforts with Minister Martin Foley’s office have now contributed to extra testing capacity being established. She has thanked the Minister’s staff for expediting her concerns, prompted by constituent representations.
After a small number of teachers tested positive to Covid in the latest outbreak, Bacchus Marsh Grammar’s teaching, student and extended community have been in 14 days quarantine.
Their Day-13 prescribed testing is due tomorrow.
It means up to 10-thousand primary and secondary contacts will descend on testing sites in the region.
During their first testing, the demand on sites was chaotic, with bungling and frustration affecting the school and wider community.
Mrs McArthur said she is pleased to see the Government has responded.
“After 18 months of this virus – and a Premier who stands in front of the cameras and offers advice to NSW – the first testing of the Bacchus Marsh Grammar cohort was totally unsatisfactory,” Mrs McArthur said.
“However, this has forced to Government to re-assess its testing capacity and actually come up with a plan in concert with the school community.
“I congratulate the school for its focus and measured approach. The Government would do well to observe a private organisation making sense of a public and bureaucratic process,” she said.
The school has been able to organise its community into timeslots across the 10 testing sites being prepared for the influx.
Students will present in year levels and in alphabetical order.
For those who are best placed for testing outside the regional testing sites, dedicated lanes for the school community will be set up at the Melbourne Showgrounds.
The testing sites are:
Total = 3 within Bacchus Marsh
Bacchus Marsh Train Station Car Park
Ballan Railway Station - Walsh Street Car Park, Ballan
Djerriwarrh Health Services - Melton - Drive Through
Total = 7 within Wyndham
IPC Health - Wootten Road Reserve
ACL - Werribee - Drive Through
4Cyte Pathology - Truganina - Drive Through
4Cyte Pathology - Hoppers Crossing - Drive Through
IPC Health - Victoria University, Werribee East
IPC Health - Wyndham Vale
Werribee Racecourse
“For all families with school age children, this is a frustrating time,” Mrs McArthur said.
“But for Bacchus Marsh Grammar – its students, parents, teachers, workers and broader community – the 14 days in quarantine has been another level of demand and pressure.
“That this school has shown the degree of strength and resilience that it has is something to be admired.
“But it’s time every student went back to the classroom. Enough is enough.
“Our hospitals can cope. Our students demand so much better.
“And so does our future which is in their hands.”
26 July 2021
