Cases on the rise

The number of local reported Covid cases has doubled in the past week, as the Victorian Chief Health Officer (CHO) warns the state is at the start of another Covid wave.

Across the state, reported cases are up 24.7 per cent from the previous week. Locally, cases are now at 50, with Inverloch and Wonthaggi reporting the majority of cases, followed by Cowes.
The numbers are still relatively low, compared to May/June, which saw local cases numbers get close to 600.

However the weekly update from the CHO said hospitalisations are up, especially for people aged 65 and over.

Wastewater surveillance and genomic testing is tracking the emergence of new Omicron subvariants (BQ.1 and XBB), which have grown rapidly in the past month.

The latest update stated the new variants were “driving significant case and hospitalisation waves overseas due to their ability to escape immunity from past infection (including BA.5) and waning immunity from past vaccination.”

“Continued growth at these rates would see these subvariants overtake BA.5 as the dominant variant,” the report stated.

“Victorians are reminded that vaccination, masks, ventilation, testing, staying home when sick and COVID-19 treatments are highly effective at reducing transmission, illness and deaths. It is critical eligible Victorians remain up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations.”

Vaccinations and tests

The Gippsland Region Public Health Unit’s mobile vaccination bus is visiting Bass Coast on the following dates:
Nov 3:    San Remo, Marine Parade, 10am – 2pm
Nov 11, 21 and 30: Wonthaggi Town Hall, 10am – 2pm.

The bus has the new Moderna bivalent Covid vaccine, the Omicron specific version of the Moderna vaccine available as a booster for people aged 18 and over.

Vaccinations are also available through local medical clinics. Find your nearest clinic at covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking/

Local pharmacies are also offering vaccinations. Visit www.findapharmacy.com.au/ to find the nearest available or book your appointment.

Anyone needing a PCR or RAT test can still access these from Monash Pathology at the Cowes Health Hub between 12.30pm and 3pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday or in Wonthaggi, Monday to Saturday from 9am to 1pm. PCR tests are also available at the Wonthaggi Respiratory Clinic by appointment.

Anyone with Covid symptoms is urged to get tested and stay at home if unwell.

More information at ww.coronavirus.vic.gov.au