Overview
In 2020, we all started paying extra attention to where we've been, in case venues we've visited were also attended by confirmed COVID-19 cases. And, with Victoria now facing another bout of locally acquired cases, frequently checking the state's list of exposure sites is once again a regular part of Melburnians' routines.
The state's Department of Health maintains a register of places that positive COVID-19 cases have visited, and urges Melburnians to get tested and/or self-isolate if they've also visited at specific times. But, you can also see all of the venue alerts across the state on an interactive map.
Called COVID-19 Near Me, the statewide map gives locations specific hues depending on the action visitors are being urged to comply with, making it easy to see whether or not you must get tested and self-isolate or just monitor for symptoms.
For example, red-coloured venues are T1 close contact locations and, therefore, visitors are to get tested immediately and self-isolate for 14 days, even if they receive a negative test. Orange is used for T2 spots, with visitors urged to get a test and self-isolate until receiving a negative result — whereas blue shows lower-risk T3 locations that require visitors to monitor for symptoms and get tested should any appear.
At the time of writing, the map was last updated early on Thursday, August 5.
Unlike the Victorian Government's pre-existing map for COVID-19 cases by local government area and postcode, this map is not run by the government, but is instead powered by its official data. So, Victorian residents are urged to also check the official Victorian DHHS website if they have any concerns about venues they may have visited.
As has proven the case throughout the pandemic, everyone in the state with even mild cold and flu symptoms is encouraged to come forward and get tested for COVID-19.
You can check out all existing COVID-19 venue alerts at covid19nearme.com.au. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Victoria, head to the Victorian Department of Health and Services website.
Images: COVID-19 Near Me as of Thursday, August 5.