Community groups, volunteers and relief organisations have worked hard to deliver hundreds of food, medical and other supplies to those in Shepparton who are in isolation.
About 4300 personal close contacts have been linked to the Greater Shepparton COVID-19 outbreak, which means three to four times this number could be isolated in their homes.
Deputy Emergency Management Commissioner Deb Abbott is on the ground supporting emergency management coordination in Shepparton.
She spent Saturday visiting the many relief and public health activities occurring in the city.
“There has been an incredible effort from organisations and volunteers across the community,” she said.
Yesterday, 700 households received deliveries of food and other supples thanks to the combined operations of GV Cares, Red Cross and the Australian Defence Force.
These included 270 halal food and supply packs.
This represents only part of the relief effort on the ground in Shepparton.
Urgent specialist needs such as pharmacy and medical supplies as well as packages for multicultural groups are also being delivered to households.
“We continue have a solid supply of food and other material aid that is meeting the referrals from the community,” Deputy Commissioner Abbott said.
“Most demand is now being driven by those specialist products that run out quickly such as baby formula, fresh produce and medical supplies.
She asked households low on supplies to get in touch quickly and not leave requests until the last minute.
Anyone who needs to use the service can call 1800 675 398.
"We are making sure we don't have people slipping through the gaps," Ms Abbott said.
She urged the community to reach out if their relief needs weren't being met.
"If you have an elderly neighbour or someone you're worrying about, please make a call to check if they need assistance. Never assume someone is networked and linked to support."
EMV is also working closing with agencies including the Department of Family Fairness and Housing and Victorian Multicultural Commission, who have set up a working group to ensure all of community need is addressed.
“As we move closer to a large part of the community being tested on day 13, we should see demand for relief start to subside as more of the essential workforce can return to support this wonderful community,” Deputy Commissioner Abbott said.
“However, this is no time for complacency. The virus is still circulating within our community and the need for vigilance has never been higher.”
