By Alesha Capone
UPDATE: Four employees from Werribee Mercy Hospital’s Emergency Department have tested positive to COVID-19.
Yesterday, Star Weekly broke the story that a staff member at the hospital was diagnosed with the virus, in what is believed to be one of the first cases of the illness in Wyndham.
This morning, it has been confirmed that three other staff members from the hospital have tested positive for Coronavirus.
Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said the hospital workers were all in a stable condition.
Mercy Health said they were all self-isolating and recovering at home.
A Mercy Health spokesperson said: “On Sunday 22 March, Mercy Health was notified that a member of its Werribee Mercy Hospital staff had tested positive for COVID-19.”
The spokesperson said that in line with best practice infection control protocols, the hospital’s Emergency Department was sanitised to minimise any risk to patients and staff.
The Emergency Department also remains open to the public.
“Since the notification, we have been working to identify anyone who may be at risk of infection following contact with the staff member,” the spokesperson said.
“Our primary focus is on the health of our patients and staff, as such, we are working with the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure that we are following all risk and response protocols to reduce the potential for further infection.
“Anyone considered to be at risk will be contacted and advised of the best course of action.”
