Covid cases rising again
Cases on the rise again, after dropping below 300 in early June.
After falling below 300, local cases are again on the rise.
Concerningly, even when cases started to fall across the shire in early June, the numbers on Phillip Island remained steady.
According to case figures released on Monday, Phillip Island has the highest number of recorded Covid cases in the shire (100) and when San Remo is added in, it accounts for 46 per cent of local cases.
With more people indoors due to the cold weather, and with holidays approaching, cases are likely to continue to climb.
Gippsland Region Public Health Unit recommends everyone eligible for a third Covid vaccination should book in as soon as possible.
They also recommend taking advantage of the free flu vaccination offer (available until the end of June), as flu cases continue to grow.
Covid and flu vaccinations are available through GPs and pharmacies.
According to the latest GRPHU figures, Bass Coast has the highest vaccination rate in Gippsland, with 74 per of those eligible having received their third dose of the vaccine. All up, a staggering 98,506 vaccinations have been administered in Bass Coast.
The next most vaccinated Gippsland shire is South Gippsland, which has administered 76,150 vaccinations and 63 per cent of those eligible have received their third dose.
The lowest rate of vaccination is in Latrobe, where only 21 per cent of those eligible have received their third dose.
GRPHU strongly encourages people to wear a face mask in indoor public spaces, especially if you have flu or Covid-like symptoms.
“Face masks combined with other preventative measures, such as getting vaccinated, frequent hand washing and physical distancing, can help slow the spread of any respiratory illness,” they advise.
People should also stay home if they are unwell, and not go to work or school.
Need a Covid test?
Monash Pathology is offering Covid tests (PCR and RATs) at Wonthaggi Hospital, Monday to Saturday from 9am – 1pm.
In Cowes, testing is available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12.30pm – 3.30pm at the Health Hub in Church Street.
PCR tests are also available by appointment at Wonthaggi Respiratory Clinic.
