ANOTHER two primary schools were closed for deep cleaning this week as more positive COVID-19 cases were detected in the Swan Hill local government area.
There are 31 active cases in the LGA, but health authorities warned the community not to become complacent despite no new cases being recorded on Thursday.
The positive cases were spread between Swan Hill, Robinvale and the small district townships of Lake Boga, Nyah West and Woorinen.
St Mary’s Primary School in Swan Hill and Woorinen District Primary School closed the gates earlier this week after a positive case visited the grounds.
“I understand this news will be concerning for many,” St Mary’s principal Kate Quin said in a letter to parents.
“I want to assure you we are doing everything we can to contain and slow the spread of the virus, and ensure the health and safety of our whole school community.”
There were four active cases in Gannawarra Shire, spread between Cohuna and Koondrook, and three active cases in Barham.
Swan Hill District Health chief executive Peter Abraham confirmed there were no discussions with the Health Department about possible lockdowns for the Swan Hill LGA.
“This isn’t going anywhere in a hurry, it’s a marathon,” he said.
“It’s a slow burn and cases will bounce.
“One case today doesn’t mean we are getting significant improvement because one case could be linked to five other people and we will see more cases tomorrow.”
Mr Abraham said it wasn’t “alarm time” for the community.
“No, bells aren’t ringing … this isn’t going everywhere,” he said.
Mr Abraham said more than 700 people were tested for COVID-19 on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a “consistent” queue of cars Thursday afternoon.
“My message to the community is if you see a zero next to new cases, don’t think it’s over because it’s (dependent) on people going to get tested.
“We would need a lot of zeroes in a row to know we have this outbreak extinguished.”
Mr Abraham said with Friday’s further easing of restrictions, there would continue to be more cases in the community.
“We have already seen it’s hard to hold compliance,” he said.
“We’ve seen that people that are close contacts are not getting tested in a hurry.”
Mr Abraham said the message was anyone who had even the mildest symptoms should get tested.
“What we are seeing is positive cases aren’t in a particular age group, they are across the board, consisting of younger people, people that are older – within family units – and not just a school thing or only a local Aboriginal concern.”
The Swan Hill drive-though testing clinic on McCallum Street is open daily from 9am.
