Covid cases on the rise

Covid cases in Bass Coast are at their highest level since January.

As of Monday (May 16) there were over 550 recorded cases in the shire, with 192 of these on Phillip Island and San Remo.

So far this month, the shire has averaged 68 new cases every day. Last Wednesday, there were 100 new cases recorded.

The peak numbers coincided with the announcement that Bass Coast Health is closing its Vaccination Clinic and drive through testing site in Wonthaggi, in line with other health services across the state.

The number of daily cases recorded in Cowes (3922 postcode) is over 100 again, for the first time since the mid-January peak, while numbers in Wonthaggi last week remained consistently high (between 169 – 182).

With winter approaching, health authorities are warning that more indoor activities are likely to see the spread continue.

Although the mask mandate has been dropped in most indoor settings, wearing a mask is still recommended. A mask is also recommended if you are unable to keep 1.5 metres away from people you don’t live with.

Bass Coast Health CEO Jan Child said although restrictions have eased, it was still critically important to get tested and to get vaccinated.

“We are not by any means out of this pandemic. We are just coming down from a peak of a significant surge, and sadly, we anticipate others. We will always advocate that people take the advice of the experts with regard to vaccination, and keep themselves optimally vaccinated, and we encourage people to test.”

Tests and vaccines

Covid vaccinations are available at GP clinics, six Gippsland Respiratory Clinics and participating pharmacies by appointment.

Wonthaggi Medical Group continue to provide symptomatic testing and treatment at their clinic where appointments are available via their website or on 0429 036 568

RATs are available from Wonthaggi Hospital and are also available at most pharmacists (free for pensioners), at schools for students, as well as select service stations and supermarkets.

RAT and PCR tests are available from Monash Pathology at the Phillip Island Health Hub, Monday to Friday.