The staff member affected has acted responsibly and cautiously. They did not work whilst symptomatic and have been in isolation since symptoms presented on Tuesday this week. They have not required treatment in hospital. 

Prior to being symptomatic, this person worked at the Bill Crawford Lodge. 

Jodie Cranham, Executive Director, Ballarat Aged Care confirms "our primary focus is the health and wellbeing of our residents and our staff. The staff member is self-isolating at home, residents have been tested and staff who have had contact are self-isolating and being tested as a precaution. We wish the staff member a speedy recovery and thank them for following all required precautions and processes."

Contact tracing with staff and residents is underway. All Bill Crawford Lodge residents will be tested as a precaution and staff members who have interacted with the staff member have been sent home for isolation and are being tested. 

Bill Crawford Lodge is in lockdown and has undergone a complete and thorough cleaning process. We are currently working through staffing details to ensure residents are being cared for. All residents are immediately being tested and their next of kin are being informed. 

None of the active cases reported today are receiving care at Ballarat Base Hospital.  

We are very concerned about the presence of this virus, we know how contagious it is, and we also know how dangerous it can be. We ask all people in our community, to please do the right thing. 

Earlier this week, we tightened visitor restrictions across our sites and now we ask everyone to physically distance, practice good hygiene, and only go out if you absolutely have to. 

We have been preparing a response to active cases across our region and our actions have been guided by this work. Our continued focus is to ensure that we care for the most vulnerable and sick people within our communities. 

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