Warrnambool Mayer Cr Vicki Jellie has commended South West Healthcare and Warrnambool residents for an amazing response to the COVID-19 threat.
"The rapid increase in testing capacity by South West Healthcare was remarkable," Cr Jellie said.
"And the willingness of residents to line up in droves to be tested was equally impressive.
"This response will be so important to helping us get on top of COVID-19 in our part of the world."
Cr Jellie contacted many of the Tier 2-listed businesses on Saturday to offer support and acknowledge the difficult set of circumstances.
"Our thoughts are with all those affected, particularly the listed businesses and the families and staff who depend on these businesses for their livelihoods," she said.
"I am hopeful that if we continue to follow directions from South West Healthcare and the Department of Health we can minimise the impact COVID-19 will have on our city and our people
"The enormous effort we have made to get vaccinated will help keep us safe.
"The experience of our regional city counterparts in Shepparton and Ballarat shows that it is possible to quickly limit the virus."
Warrnambool City Council CEO Peter Schneider said he had been in touch with South West Healthcare CEO Craig Fraser and had also reached out to the CEOs of Moyne and Corangamite to ensure there was a co-operative response, where required.
"The main thing right now is, of course, for people who have attended an affected site to get tested and to wait at home until they have their test results," Mr Schneider said.
