Testing criteria has broadened to new groups

Over the weekend we heard that the number of new COVID-19 cases in Victoria was steady, and that efforts to ‘flatten the curve’ appear to be working. However this does not mean we can become complacent. 

Victoria’s testing criteria for COVID-19 have been broadened to include people whose employment and contact with the broader public may place them at higher risk of exposure to any virus which may be circulating in the community.

If someone in the following categories displays clinical symptoms – a fever or acute respiratory infection – they will now be tested for COVID-19.

• Childcare and early childhood education
• Primary or secondary schools; and
• Firefighters who are emergency medical responders
• People aged 65 years and older.

The full testing criteria is available on DHHS’ website. Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton said, 'The number of community acquired cases contracted from an unknown source are continuing to rise – the expansion of the testing criteria will allow us to get a clearer picture of how much the virus is circulating.' 

'These new criteria do not mean our stage 3 restrictions should be relaxed. The reverse is true, we must continue these actions to flatten the curve.'

We're still open for business

It is important to remember that we are still operating, although via different means than you may be used to. While some services are on hold, in other areas it is business as usual. 

To ensure we could give you up to date information, our April Whitehorse News will be distributed slightly later than usual and will hit your letterbox from next Monday. 

Our Planning and Building department are still working hard to manage swimming pool registrations. If you do own a pool or a spa, you need to register with Council by 1 June 2020

We have noticed an increase in dumped rubbish across Whitehorse. Please, do the right thing and book a hard rubbish collection, or take your rubbish to the Waste and Recycling Centre, which is still open. Residents are entitled to two free hard rubbish collections per year, and can pay for additional collections. To book your collection, visit the hard rubbish collection webpage.

While our Customer Service Centres are closed to visitors, we continue to provide services through our website, by telephone and email. 

To stay in touch with Council:

• Contact Us using our online form
• You can still Pay | Apply | Report online
• Follow us on Facebook @WhitehorseCityCouncil
• Check our website for updates: Latest News and COVID-19 Response
• You can contact us directly by phone on 9262 6333 or email at customer.service@whitehorse.vic.gov.au 
• You can contact Councillors directly. Their contact details are available at Councillors and Wards page
• National Translation and Interpreting Service (TIS)
  • Phone 131 450 and say the name of the language you need
  • TIS will connect you with an interpreter 
  • Ask to speak to Whitehorse City Council (or other government services)
• National Relay Service (quote 9262 6333 for Whitehorse City Council)
  • Voice Relay number: 1300 555 727
  • TTY number: 133 677
  • SMS relay number: 0423 677 767

See a full list of Council closures and amended services  

For the latest information, fact sheets, video announcements and media releases regarding COVID-19, visit DHHS Coronavirus webpage. 

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