Oak Park Sports and Aquatic Centre receives high praise for its COVID-19 response

The Y has received high praise from Victoria's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for its outstanding contact tracing and data management following confirmation in the middle of February that the Oak Park Sports and Aquatic Centre was a COVID-19 exposure site.

Centre Manager Shane Holt said he and his team sprung into action as soon they were notified by DHHS of the case, advising "the Y immediately formed a critical incident team who facilitated the contact tracing process.

"This included contacting members and informing them to get isolated and tested."

Up to 400 people, including 25 staff members, were required to quarantine for 14 days and get tested - with this isolation period ending on 25th February.

For members ho had to quarantine, the Y is providing a two-week credit.

After compliying with DHHS’s requirements, providing a copy of the Y’s COVIDSafe plan and completing a certified deep clean of the site, Oak Park Sports and Aquatic Centre was able to reopen to the public following the five day circuit-breaker lockdown.

Holt added "by having the right procedures in place, the Y has proven that recreation centres and gyms are a safe space for the public, even in this new COVID-normal world."

Image: Oak Park Sports and Aquatic Centre. Credit: The Y.