By Romy Stephens
A Lilydale general practitioner was among confirmed Covid-19 cases recorded over the weekend.
The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the GP worked at the Lilydale Medical Clinic on 11 June.
The GP also worked at Cedars Medical Clinic in Coburg and Croydon Family Practice on 9 June.
According to DHHS, while at work the GP had close contact with a confirmed case, prior to their diagnosis.
The doctor remained asymptomatic and went into isolation immediately upon being informed they were a close contact.
The DHHS said the GP was potentially infectious while working for several hours at the three clinics.
“The Department is contacting all potentially affected patients. As the doctor is asymptomatic, the risk of transmission is low, however if anyone is experiencing any symptoms they should get tested and self-isolate,” the DHHS said in a statement.
Cleaning was conducted at all sites the GP worked at while contact tracing of staff and patients at the three clinics began on 13 June.
It was initially reported by the DHHS that the GP worked at the Lilydale Medical Centre, however, this was soon corrected to the Lilydale Medical Clinic on Hutchinson Street.
The total number of coronavirus cases in Victoria was 1732 on 15 June – a rise of 12 cases since 14 June.
As of 15 June, 19 people had died from the virus in the state and three patients were in intensive care.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Professor Brett Sutton, said that despite positive efforts to contain the virus’ spread, people needed to remain vigilant.
“Thanks to Victorians playing their part, staying at home and getting tested, we have made some great progress in slowing the spread of coronavirus,” he said.
“However, we are still seeing transmission in households and other settings. It remains critical to practice good hygiene – wash your hands regularly and cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow and try to avoid touching your face.
“Stay 1.5 metres away from anyone you don’t live with and avoid crowds, especially indoors. If you can keep working from home – you must keep working from home.
“And if you do feel unwell with any symptoms of coronavirus you should get tested. This includes fever, chills, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose or loss of sense of smell.
“If you attended the Black Lives Matter march in the city on Saturday 6 June there is currently no requirement to quarantine or get tested if you do not have symptoms. However, should you develop any symptoms, no matter how mild, it is critically important that you get tested.”
The confirmed Covid-19 case in Lilydale came as Premier Daniel Andrews announced further eases to restrictions.
From 11.59pm on 21 June, libraries, community centres and halls can open to 50 people. Religious ceremonies can also increase to 50.
From next Monday, pubs, clubs will be able to host up to 50 seated patrons with no requirement to purchase a meal with a drink, while sports training and competition restrictions will be eased.
Restaurants and cafes will be able to increase the number of patrons to 50. Cinemas, concert venues, theatres and auditoriums can open, also with up to 50 people per space.
Confirmed Covid-19 cases in the Yarra Ranges remain at 25 with no active cases. Residential address is used to inform what Local Government Area a confirmed case is from.
The Lilydale Medical Clinic has been contacted for comment.
