Covid kicks on – local case numbers still high
BCH is urging anyone with symptoms to be tested for Covid, as case numbers remain high in the community.
Testing remains vital to containing the spread of Covid, says Bass Coast Health.
With incidences of Covid and influenza remaining high in our community, people are still being urged to get tested for Covid should they have symptoms.
An average of 110 PCR tests a week have been conducted at Wonthaggi Hospital since May.
Bass Coast Health (BCH) is encouraging more people to get tested, especially given there were 221 Covid cases in Bass Coast Shire as of June 26, with 99 of those on Phillip Island and San Remo.
There have been over 1100 new Covid cases recorded in the shire in June, with an average of 45 new cases each day.
BCH CEO Jan Child said while she understands the community is well and truly over the pandemic, she urged people to not be complacent about the risk Covid – and other illnesses – still pose, especially given the prevalence and severity of influenza locally.
“Winter is a high-risk time for the transmission of viruses because people are more likely to be indoors and therefore in close contact with each other,” she said.
“Testing helps us to identify Covid cases early and therefore limit the spread in the community. That’s why it’s vital that you get tested as soon as you show symptoms.”
Covid testing in Cowes is currently available Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 12.30pm – 3.30pm at the Health Hub in Church Street. Testing is available six days a week at Wonthaggi Hospital.
Covid symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat and a cough, as well as muscle and joint pain.
The full range of Covid symptoms can be found at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/symptoms-and-risks.
With the symptoms of Covid and influenza similar, a Covid test is the best way of determining which virus you have.
A Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) at home is particularly accurate if taken while you are symptomatic. If you have a negative RAT and continue to show symptoms, or have a positive RAT and no symptoms, BCH recommends getting a PCR test at Wonthaggi Hospital, the Phillip Island Health Hub or Wonthaggi Medical Group to rule out the possibility of a false negative test.
People can also request for a PCR test to indicate which virus they have, should they test negative to Covid. This result will be delivered to your GP and you will need to see your GP to obtain the test result.
Covid PCR tests and distribution of RATs are now being provided by Monash Health Pathology at Wonthaggi Hospital, 9am-1pm, Monday-Saturday (closed Sundays), and Phillip Island Health Hub, 12.30pm-3.30pm, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
PCR tests are also available at Wonthaggi Medical Group’s Respiratory Clinic. Book online: www.wonthaggimedical.com.au and go to ‘Covid-19 Respiratory Clinic’.
“Please ensure your Covid vaccination is up-to-date, and you have had your flu vaccination. Vaccination will give you the best possible protection against falling ill to these viruses,” Ms Child said.
“Also, please continue to follow the public health advice of wearing masks indoors and when in crowds, sanitise your hands often and stay at home if you are unwell. These measures will not only help to contain the spread of Covid but also influenza and other viruses.”
