Four active cases and evidence of community transmission in Greater Bendigo has put the region on high alert, with Bendigo Health's chief executive urging people to only go out if they have to.
Bendigo Health has confirmed none of the four active cases of COVID-19 in the Greater Bendigo region were from returned overseas travellers, and there was evidence of community transmission with at least two of the cases.
Earlier this morning the City of Greater Bendigo Council confirmed a council employee tested positive for COVID-19.
In a statement the council said, "the city's workplaces where this staff member has been have been cleaned thoroughly".
"The city has taken all measures to support the staff member and we wish them a speedy recovery."
Evidence of local transmission
Bendigo Health also confirmed that one of its health workers has tested positive for the coronavirus.
The person was working from home conducting telehealth appointments and would now be self-isolating.
Bendigo Health chief executive Peter Faulkner said two other healthcare workers at the hospital have also been tested and were self-isolating.
"The staff member has had no face-to-face contact with patients, and has been undertaking their patient contact work via telehealth," Mr Faulkner said.
In response to the positive cases the hospital will be reducing the amount of its work unrelated to COVID-19 and will tightening restrictions on visitors.
Community on high alert
The Greater Bendigo region borders with the Mitchell shire, which currently has six active COVID-19 cases and is in lockdown along with all of Greater Melbourne.
Mr Faulkner said the evidence of community transmission was concerning.
"We do know that they are not returned travellers locally," he said.
"So from that perspective we suspect there is community transmission taking place.
"We certainly know they are not returned travellers nor do we believe that they've been in contact with such people."
Mr Faulkner is calling on the community to "do the right thing" this weekend.
"Coming into the weekend it is really important that we socially distance, that we practice good hygiene, that we only go out if we have to," he said.
"They are some of things that we can do and we must do."
