By Laura Michell
Hume council wants the Department of Health and Hume Services to identify coronavirus hotspots by suburb instead of municipality to provide “greater clarity” to residents.
At last night’s council meeting, councillors voted to write to Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton to seek “urgent clarification” from DHHS on the suburbs within Hume that have seen a spike in COVID-19 cases.
It follows the Victorian government’s decision to advise people to avoid travel to and from six local government areas considered to be virus hotspots– Hume, Brimbank, Moreland, Casey, Cardinia and Darebin.
There have been 21 cases of coronavirus confirmed in Hume since June 1.
Two primary schools – Newbury Primary School in Craigieburn and St Dominic’s Primary School in Broadmeadows – were closed for cleaning in recent weeks after pupils tested positive for the virus.
A positive case was also recorded in an early childhood educator at Inspira Early Learning Centre in Gladstone Park last week.
Cr Ann Potter said identifying hotspots by local government area did not make sense in an area as large as Hume, which covers more than 500 square kilometres.
“While I’m expecting it was not their intent, by categorising Hume as a hotspot, they have provided even greater uncertainty to our residents,” she said.
“Providing a breakdown by suburb provides greater clarity.”
Cr Potter said the council supported the health advice and measures taken by the state government and would support increased local restrictions if necessary.
“We also urge our community to follow all advice to prevent the need for further measures as we all need to play our part to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” she said.
