North metro region community outbreak

North metro region community outbreak

27 October, 2020

New coronavirus cases have been identified in the northern metropolitan Melbourne area.

Students from these schools and their families are asked to get tested, even if you do not have any symptoms:

  • East Preston Islamic College
  • Croxton School (Northcote)

View the case locations and outbreaks for latest information on the North metro region COVID-19 community outbreak including testing sites. New pop up services have been set up and the locations and times are constantly changing to meet demand. For most up to date information refer to the DHHS website.

To support containment of this outbreak the message to the community is ‘Every Test Helps’.

DHHS and partner organisations have instigated extensive community engagement activities targeting residents of Melbourne’s northern suburbs including Dallas, Roxburgh Park, Broadmeadows, Preston and West Heidelberg. A text message was sent alerting people who live in or were visiting these suburbs and surrounding areas to get tested if they are experiencing symptoms. Community health door knocking has also occurred to alert residents in identified areas about potential exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) and provide information about testing sites, and how to access supports such as financial assistance.

Key messages for the community include:

  • getting tested for mildest symptoms even if you’ve tested before
  • testing is free irrespective of visa status
  • home testing can be arranged if needed
  • you must stay home until you get your test results
  • it does not matter about your visa status or your citizenship status, you are eligible for the payments
  • support payments up to 1500 dollars are available if tested positive or isolating after getting tested

DHHS has information about coronavirus, what to do if you test positive and what support is available in multiple community languages.

Click to share EMPHNs Facebook posts in Arabic, Hindi, Turkish and Punjabi with your community.