Get vaccinated and follow the rules
CEO Jan Child is calling on everyone in the community to follow the public health directives, to lessen the chance of infection.
Bass Coast Health is bracing for a growing number of cases, as Victoria prepares to come out of lockdown and loosen restrictions.
CEO Jan Child is calling on everyone in the community to follow the public health directives, to lessen the chance of infection.
She said the biggest transmission risk was having visitors to your home.
“I think of the cases I know about, the transmission I know about – a lot of it is where people haven’t followed the rules. We know transmission happens in households, when people innocently visit family or friends, and sit on the couch, or have a cuppa.
“This is mostly where transmission is occurring.”
While there were plans in place to deal with the predicted increase in cases and healthcare staff were ready to “step in and step up”, Ms Child pleaded with the community to do the right thing.
“More than ever, we need people to help us. It’s not just up to us to respond to this crisis.”
She said people’s behaviour would “set the bar for the level of crisis” in the area.
“People must wear their masks. It’s such an important thing.
“If you ask me what I wish for – I wish for people to wear masks. I wish for people not to visit other people in their homes. And if they do that, we are not going to have such a burden to carry.”
Ms Child also said it was important for people to get vaccinated when they can, with all three vaccines now available through the clinic at the Wonthaggi Town Hall.
“We’ve put our hand up to get Moderna, so I’m asking people to come and get vaccinated. It’s singularly the most important way out of this, long term.”
With Bass Coast’s first dose vaccination rate now over 93 per cent, the focus is on boosting the number of second doses.
“I am worried that people are going to lose momentum around the second jab,” Ms Child admitted.
Bass Coast’s second dose rate is currently under 70 per cent.
You can book a vaccination through your local GP, Pharmacy or the state-run clinic in Wonthaggi.
GP: to find the nearest available GP appointment, go to www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/getting-your-vaccination/locations.
Both Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines are available.
Pharmacy: Visit findapharmacy.com.au. Both Moderna (suitable for those under 60) and AstraZeneca vaccines are available.
Vaccinations are available through the state-run Vaccination Clinic at Wonthaggi Town Hall. You can book online at portal.cvms.vic.gov.au or by calling the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398. The clinic has AstraZeneca (walk-ins accepted), Moderna and Pfizer.
