COVID hits Geraldton as list of exposures sites grows

Geraldton had its first taste of living with COVID this week, with four local venues identified as low-risk virus exposure sites.

Freemasons Hotel was on Monday the first to be added to the growing list of exposure sites in the Mid West, with anyone at the venue between 6pm and 9pm on Saturday directed to monitor for symptoms.

An additional time frame of between 7pm and 8.30.pm on Thursday, February 17, was later listed. This came after Shire of Yalgoo president Greg Payne asked why the Thursday visit to the pub by his son — who tested positive for COVID — had not been published.

Old Man and the Sea Rooftop Bar, The Geraldton Hotel and Cafe Fleur were also listed as exposure sites.

Anyone who visited these locations during the time of potential exposure will be required to undergo COVID resting only if they develop symptoms.

Midwest GP Network deputy chair Dr Richard Taylor said there had been some confusion over where to get tested in Geraldton.

“In the Mid West you can get a test either at the regional hospital COVID testing clinic or through Batavia Health’s respiratory testing clinic,” he said.

“Testing at the respiratory clinic at Batavia Health can be made online or by phoning the practice; do not present to the practice to book COVID tests.

“If the person is acutely unwell, then they will need to go to ED but if they have mild symptoms they should go to one of the testing clinics. The idea is to try prevent people with mild symptoms going to ED.”