Covid still a concern for regions
Restrictions have eased but Bass Coast Health is urging caution.
Hankering for a haircut? Bursting for a beer? Then your prayers have been answered.
There were plenty of cheers when the government announced an easing of restrictions for regional Victoria at midnight last Thursday.
The Premier Daniel Andrews said the low case numbers in regional Victoria “gives us the option to ease restrictions”.
However, the Covid threat for regions remains ever present, with cases detected in regional areas, including East Gippsland, Geelong, Macedon Rangers, Mildura, Daylesford, Cohuna, Healesville, Bacchus Marsh, Beveridge and Shepparton in the past few days.
Last week, Covid Commander Jeroen Weimar expressed concern at the growing number of cases in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs – the area of the city closest to our region.
Bass Coast Health is urging the community to be cautious of the growing risk posed by the Delta strain.
“The easing of restrictions is wonderful news for our local economy and for our social and mental wellbeing, however it is critical that people still respect the rules and do everything they can to reduce local risk,” CEO Jan Child said.
“We know that the numbers of people infected with Covid in Victoria is going to balloon over the coming weeks, and that things are going to get much worse before they get better. We also worry that the very infectious nature of the Delta strain will mean it may make its way down to our beautiful part of the world with a vengeance.
“The best way to keep the local community open is for every person to do the right thing and follow the new rules. I implore our community to continue to practise Covid-Safe measures: wear a properly fitting (and clean) face mask that covers your nose; be acutely aware of exposure sites; don’t have gatherings inside your home; keep your physical distance from others; clean and sanitise your hands thoroughly and often; and avoid crowds (particularly indoors) whenever you can.”
She said it was imperative that anyone with Covid symptom gets tested straight away.
“Don’t wait till the next day to see if it gets better – get tested straight away if you notice something is not quite right. And make sure you QR code everywhere so you can be contacted if you have visited an exposure site, and keep a really close eye on the list of exposure sites to make sure you avoid contact with anyone who has been exposed.”
Drive through testing sites are open seven days a week, 9am to 3pm at Wonthaggi Hospital and at the Cowes Transit Centre.
Restrictions snapshot
Since midnight last Thursday, there are no longer any restrictions on leaving home and the 5km radius has also been lifted.
Private gatherings at home are still not permitted although you can meet with friends or family in a public place in a group of up to 10 people.
Masks must be worn when you are outside your home.
Businesses must conduct an ID check to ensure that patrons attending do not reside in Melbourne or Shepparton. Hair dressers and beauty therapists, stores, cafes, restaurants and hotels can reopen, with strict density limits.
Religious services, weddings and funerals are again permitted – with restrictions on numbers. Community sport can return to outdoor training, with playgrounds, skateparks and outdoor gym equipment reopened.
School holidays begin next week, but until then, Prep to Grade 2 and Year 12 can return to school, while all other students continue with remote learning. Childcare services have reopened.
A full list of restrictions, including those that apply for anyone travelling to Melbourne or Shepparton are available at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covidsafe-settings
Vaccinations
Ms Child said BCH staff were dedicated to caring for the community and urged everyone to play their part to keep the community safe.
“Please, get vaccinated against COVID-19 if you have not done so already. Community members that have been vaccinated can still be infected and pass on the virus but the evidence is really clear they will not be as sick or end up in hospital,” she said.
Secondary school students have rushed to be vaccinated ahead of sitting their Year 12 exams, with most students from across Bass Coast and South Gippsland attending the Community Vaccination Clinic at the Wonthaggi Town Hall last week.
“We are now wanting to see pregnant women, our healthcare and aged care workers who need their second jabs – anyone who is eligible – get a jab in your arm to protect yourselves and the ones you love, before the numbers explode,” Ms Child said.
BCH administered 2191 Covid vaccinations last week and conducted 701 Covid tests at Wonthaggi and 304 tests at Cowes between September 4 and 10.
For more information about reducing your risk of contracting Covid and the symptoms of the virus, go to: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
To book a COVID vaccination, call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 or online at portal.cvms.vic.gov.au.
