Positive case at Casey Hospital

A staff member at Casey Hospital has tested positive. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS 224627_20

By Danielle Kutchel

A staff member at Casey Hospital has tested positive for Covid.

In a statement, Monash Health confirmed the employee tested positive on Tuesday 20 July.

Their exposure took place in the community and is linked to the existing community outbreak.

“The employee worked one shift during their expected infectious period,” the spokesperson said.

“At this time, we do not believe the employee had any interaction with patients. They are not in a patient-facing role.”

The hospital said the employee was wearing appropriate PPE for the duration of their shift and took a test as soon as symptoms appeared.

As a precaution, 41 employees have been furloughed and are now awaiting test results.

Professor Rhonda Stuart, director of Monash Health South East Public Health Unit, said the hospital was providing support to employees who had been indentified as close contacts during this “challenging and anxious time”.

She said staff were being kept up to date about possible exposure areas and the steps being taken to manage and contain the risk..”